Mike Madigan trial updates: Judge denies defense motion to exclude some evidence

A recording of Will Cousineau talking to Mike McClain has been released to the public.

The phone conversation is from June 2018.

A recording of Will Cousineau talking to Mike McClain has been released to the public.

The former House speaker's chief of staff, Tim Mapes, had resigned amid allegations of sexual assault.

On the call, Madigan aide Cousineau and Madigan confidant Michael McClain talked about ways to protect the speaker.

"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."

It was played in court Thursday.

Will Cousineau's loyalty to Madigan was on display during cross-examination Thursday.

Cousineau's voice cracked, as Madigan's attorney's asked if he'd developed a personal bond with his former boss.

Court ended early again Thursday to give the jurors and judge time to enjoy Halloween.

Court will resume Monday morning.

The jury learned about a "magic list" of Madigan supporters.

Mike McClain drafted a "magic list" of people who had helped Madigan.

Will Cousineau admitted he saw it with a letterhead of the Talbot Hotel in Chicago. It was handwritten.

The jury heard a number of calls between Mike McClain and Will Cousineau Thursday.

Many of the calls between McClain and Cousineau were regarding finding a job for Kevin Quinn at Cornerstone (Cousineau's company), after his termination over sexual harassment allegations.

Cousineau was hesitant.

They discussed a plan to create a contract for Quinn, and not just a piece of paper to protect them from the IRS.

There was also a conversation about finding Eddie Acevedo work.

They also spoke about protecting Madigan, and ensuring he keep his speakership role.

McClain was heard in one call saying, "We cannot lose our friend (Madigan) and give Illinois to these guys (former Illinois Gov. Bruce Rauner)."

Cousineau left the speaker's office in 2018, and said there were various sexual harassment allegations by Democrat officials and employees at that time, which was a concern for Madigan.

Cousineau said meetings were held on how to handle the allegations.

In one call, Cousineau was heard telling McClain they needed to get a public relations firm to handle the allegations.

There was also a call about AT&T.

Cousineau lobbied for CenturyLink, a telecommunications company. At the time, they wanted to get a change in law. So, he met with McClain.

He asked if AT&T had an issue with the legislation.

In 2017, the legislation was advanced by AT&T. It became law later in 2017.

McClain and Cousineau were also heard on a call speaking on how Rep. Kelly Cassidy needed to be careful.

McClain tells Cousineau,"Madigan is doing a slow burn on her. She ought to be very careful. She may find herself way over in outer hemisphere if she doesn't watch it."