McClain's defense wraps up closing arguments in former IL Speaker Mike Madigan corruption trial

Jury could get case Wednesday

Michelle Gallardo Image
Tuesday, January 28, 2025
McClain's defense wraps up closing arguments in corruption trial
Madigan's co-defendant Michael McClain's defense gave closing arguments Tuesday in the corruption trial of the former IL speaker.

CHICAGO (WLS) -- Former Illinois House Speaker Mike Madigan's co-defendant Michael McClain's defense gave closing arguments Tuesday.

The jury began hearing defense attorney Patrick Cotter's closing arguments on Tuesday morning.

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Those arguments ended up taking the whole day, ensuring the jury will not get the case until at least Wednesday.

"Sixty-five witnesses, hundreds of exhibits, recordings, emails and other documents, and the government's math still doesn't add up," Cotter said.

Madigan's co-defendant is charged in six of the 23 counts contained in the criminal indictment against both men. An indictment describes McClain as "an intentional and knowing participant in the speaker's alleged scheme."

He was, according to the government, Madigan's so-called agent, soliciting bribes on his behalf.

Mike Madigan trial live updates: McClain's defense continues closing arguments

The alleged bribes were given by both ComEd and AT&T in the form of jobs and contracts for Madigan's allies, worth more than $1.3 million over an eight-year period. They were allegedly given in exchange for the speaker's help getting important legislation passed in Springfield.

And while McClain has already been convicted for his role in the ComEd scheme at a separate trial nearly two years ago, the jury does not know this. Though, they may wonder why he is not charged in the ComEd-related counts contained within the indictment.

What they have seen and heard over the course of the last three months is a mountain of government exhibits, including wiretapped phone calls and meetings, where McClain aggressively pushed to get Madigan's alleged requests approved.

McClain's attorney told the jury Tuesday, "lobbying and politics is what got the bills passed. And lobbying and politics are not crimes."

The government will conduct its rebuttal Wednesday, after which the jury will begin their deliberations.

Madigan's defense team wrapped up their final presentation to the jury on Monday.

Madigan's team started Friday afternoon, following a 12-hour closing argument delivered by the government over two and a half days.

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