Mike Madigan trial: Defense cross-examines star witness in former IL speaker trial

Former House Speaker Mike Madigan's voice was heard for the first time in his trial during former Majority Leader Lou Lang's testimony Thursday, in an undercover phone call in which he is heard telling Mike McClain to ask Lang to resign, sooner rather than later.

Former Majority Leader Lou Lang took the stand Thursday in former Illinois Speaker Mike Madigan's corruption trial.

It was the first of some 200 undercover recordings that were captured.

In court Thursday, jurors heard McClain say on tape, "So, when do you want me to call Lang and just lower the boom on him?"

Madigan is heard saying, "Soon. Soon."

Then, there was a recording of McClain talking to Lang, saying "This is not just me talking. This is someone who cares deeply for you, who wants you to move on."

Former Majority Leader Lou Lang has finished his testimony after several hours Thursday.

He spoke to bills moving out of the Rules Committee, and said he respected Madigan as a leader.

Lang said Madigan did not respect him all the time.

He also said Madigan never instructed him on how to vote on a bill, but added that the speaker had tremendous power.

Lang was involved in the ComEd bills.

He said former state Rep. Scott Drury, who previously testified was not well-liked, and being well-liked helped move a bill.

Lang said Madigan did request for him to resign.

He said he "left because it was in my best interest and nobody else."

The jury is taking a lunch break, before the next witness.

Former Majority Leader Lou Lang took the stand Thursday morning.

He's expected to talk about his resignation.

An FBI agent is expected to testify Thursday in the federal corruption trial of former Illinois House Speaker Mike Madigan.
The agent helped wiretap hundreds of phone conversations between Madigan and his co-defendant Mike McClain.
Former state Representative Lou Lang is also expected to take the stand.