Mike Madigan trial updates: Star witness wraps up testimony after 6 days on stand

Former state Rep. Carol Sente began her testimony Tuesday in former Illinois House Speaker Michael Madigan's corruption trial.

She was a business owner and representative in the Illinois General Assembly for 10 years.

Sente worked directly with Madigan and Tim Mapes during her time in the state legislature.

During the beginning of her testimony, she spoke to Madigan's control over legislation that was passed.

She said she proposed bills on predatory lending and term limits on some state legislature positions, but neither moved outside the rules committee.

At one point, she lost her chairman status with no prior notice, she said.

She also sponsored a bill to pass a millionaire tax, but said Madigan did not support it. It didn't pass.

Sente said Mapes, Madigan's co-defendant Mike McClain and other members of the General Assembly would meet with Madigan in his office.

She also said she received financial support from the Democratic Party of Illinois.

Sente is expected to resume testimony after lunch.

Former Democratic Illinois House Reps. Scott Drury and Lou Lang are also expected to testify Tuesday.

All three testified at the ComEd trial.

Co-defendant Michael McClain's defense has wrapped up their opening statements as the Michael Madigan federal corruption trial moves forward.

McLain's defense attorney John Mitchell told the jury, "The evidence will show mike McClain was a lobbyist and like all lobbyist he understood if you want to get access to a politician you need to develop a relationship of trust...a favor by itself is not a bribe, a favor is a favor."

Prosecutors told the jury, a now 82-year old Madigan traded favorable legislation for no work jobs and contracts for his allies and steered business to his private law firm - often using his confidant and co-defendant Michael McClain as a middle man.

McClain has already been convicted separately in a bribery scheme involving com-ed. His sentencing is pending.

Former Democratic Illinois House representatives Carol Sente, Scott Drury and Lou Lang are expected to testify Tuesday. All three testified at the ComEd trial.

Opening statements continue Tuesday in the corruption trial of former Illinois House Speaker Mike Madigan.

Tuesday morning, his co-defendant Michael McClain's defense will present its opening statements.

Mike Madigan left court with his attorneys after an afternoon of legal arguments.

The former house speaker, supported by his wife Shirley and daughter Lisa Madigan, who is the former Illinois attorney general, sat in the front row in the courtroom.

The government is accusing Mike Madigan of participating in a bribery and racketeering scheme.

Prosecutors told the jury the now 82-year old Madigan traded favorable legislation for no work jobs and contracts for his allies and steered business to his private law firm, often using his confidant and co-defendant Michael McClain as a middle man.

McClain has already been convicted separately in a bribery scheme involving ComEd.

The jury heard the first of years of conversation former Alderman Danny Solis recorded with Madigan. The defense said Solis cannot be trusted.

The defense ended its opening statements by saying to the jury, "you are going to hear some out and out lies...Madigan was in fact...incorruptible."

The jury could begin hearing testimony Tuesday.