Mike Madigan trial live updates: Former IL House speaker's defense attorneys start building case

Monday was an unusually short day in the corruption trial of Michael Madigan.

But, it did reveal the nickname Governor-elect JB Pritzker's staff had given the then-speaker by late 2018.

An email was sent to Pritzker on Dec. 4, 2018 that said, "Attached is a most recent Sphinx list of recommendations ahead of your meeting today."

Downstate Congresswoman Nikki Budzinski, who at the time was senior advisor to the incoming governor, sent the email.

On the stand Monday, Budzinski said she did not know why the nickname was given, but stated the governor's office gave "serious consideration" to the people recommended for jobs by the speaker. But, she insisted those on Madigan's list were far from a slam dunk.

"We did a lot of due diligence. We had a very thorough vetting process," Budzinski said.

Congresswoman Nikki Budzinski is expected to testify Monday.

There will be an early dismissal on Monday, so Judge Blakey and attorneys can attend the funeral of Circuit Judge Joel Flaum.

The jury heard recordings between McClain and a lobbyist Thursday.

The focus was the back door deals regarding a Chinatown project.

In 2017-2018, the Chinatown parcel near Cermak Road and Wentworth Avenue was state-owned, and under the control of the Illinois Department of Transportation.

The plan was to transfer the land to the city of Chicago, who could then deed it to the developer.

The governor at the time was Bruce Rauner.

However, there were roadblocks by State Sen. Marty Sandoval and Tony Muñoz, which McClain and Nancy Kimme were trying to maneuver around.

In one of the recordings, Kimme told McClain that they were "in the middle of a range war."

Kimme told prosecutors, "That they were all shootin' at each other for different reasons."

Lobbyist Nancy Kimme has taken the stand Thursday morning, as prosecutors and defense attorneys rapidly move through witnesses.

Kimme owns NJ Kimme & Company, a lobbying firm, and Advantage Government Strategies.

She has been a lobbyist since 2015.

She also worked as chief of staff for Judy Baar Topinka until 2006.

Then, Kimme worked for Metra doing legislative affairs from 2008 tot 2010.

In 2010, she helped Topinka in the state comptroller race.