Defense attorneys filed a motion to exclude any references to the creation of documents and phone calls about tax issues with Kevin Quinn.
The judge ended up denying the motion.
Just after 9:30 a.m., longtime Madigan aide Will Cousineau returned to the stand for a third day.
Cousineau served a dual role as both Madigan's issues director and political director of the Democratic Party of Illinois.
In exchange for his testimony, the government served Cousineau with a letter of immunity, which essentially says he cannot be charged if he testifies truthfully.
During his testimony, Cousineau has given an inside look into how the speaker's office operated under Madigan, and the people who were part of his inner circle.
Often during his testimony, Cousineau seemed reluctant to answer or did so in a low voice.
This is the third time Cousineau has been called to testify in a federal case related to Madigan. He was previously called both during the ComEd Four Trial and during the perjury trial of Tim Mapes, Madigan's former chief of staff.
Cousineau's voice cracked under cross-examination Thursday, as Madigan's attorney's asked if he'd developed a personal bond with his former boss.
His intense loyalty was on full display, as the jury got to hear several phone calls during which he and Madigan co-defendant Mike McClain discussed ways to protect the then-speaker and help his allies amid growing scandal.
The jury listened intently as the government played a wiretapped phone call between Cousineau and McClain.
It was June 6, 2018, and Madigan's Chief of Staff Tim Mapes had resigned amid sexual harassment allegations.
"I think it's time to get a real PR firm in here," Cousineau was heard saying. "Somebody who's dealt with real (expletive), someone who's been around the Clinton impeachment. And It's going to cost us a ton of (expletive) money, but if it saves him so be it."
Cousineau recording released to public
The call was released to the public later Thursday.
Months earlier, it was McClain who rallied the Madigan troops, when, on Feb. 21, he sent an email to several of those in the speaker's inner circle.
"If we want to protect and save MJM, we cannot play punchy bags above the belt. It is time to be offensive," it said.
Copied on that email was 13th Ward Alderman Marty Quinn. A week earlier, his younger brother, Kevin Quinn, had been forced out of his ward office job by Madigan, also amid sexual harassment allegations.
And yet, months later, McClain was recorded calling on Cousineau to join in on an effort to provide Quinn with $1,000-a-month for six months under the guise of him doing work for Cousineau's lobbying firm.
"This is totally a consultant," McClain said. "And as far as I'm concerned, other than the people signing on to it, nobody needs to know about it, other than our friend."
Later in the phone call, McClain is heard telling Cousineau he should start his own company, so he can help the speaker's allies when called upon to do so.
"At one point in time, I had five consultants working for me," McClain said. "And all they did was give me pieces of paper."
The former Illinois House speaker is accused of a sophisticated bribery and racketeering scheme.
The trial could last three months.
Related Coverage: How we got to here
Opening statements begin in former IL House Speaker Mike Madigan corruption trial
Jury selection begins this week in corruption trial of former Illinois House Speaker Mike Madigan
ComEd to pay $200M in federal bribery investigation; Illinois House Speaker Mike Madigan implicated in charge
House Speaker Michael Madigan polling Democratic caucus on whether he should step down
Special House committee to probe Michael Madigan bribery allegations stemming from ComEd investigation
IL House Speaker Michael Madigan continues to lose support amid ComEd investigation implications
Mike Madigan resigns as Democratic Party of Illinois chairman
Former IL House Speaker Mike Madigan indicted on charges including bribery, racketeering
Former IL House speaker Michael Madigan indicted on racketeering, bribery, more
Mike Madigan charged with crimes usually associated with Chicago mob
Michael Madigan indictment: Former House speaker pleads not guilty in federal corruption case
Former Illinois House Speaker Michael Madigan enters not guilty plea on all counts in federal case
All defendants found guilty on all counts in 'ComEd 4' trial surrounding ex-Speaker Mike Madigan
Jury finds Mike Madigan confidant Tim Mapes guilty in perjury case
Former Speaker Mike Madigan lawyers ask judge to dismiss 14 counts, citing recent SCOTUS ruling