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

During the second part of her testimony Tuesday, former Illinois Rep. Carol Sente said she respected former House Speaker Mike Madigan, and knew how hard his job was.

During cross-examination, she said she was regularly lobbied by organizations and companies. She said she found it helpful on how to vote on various bills.

Former Illinois House Speaker Michael Madigan's corruption trial continues Tuesday with jurors hearing testimony.

Sente added that ComEd had a large group of lobbyists in Springfield.

She said she was aware Mike McClain was a lobbyist, but that he didn't make her vote one way or another.

She acknowledged certain legislators and McClain had a close relationship with Madigan and had good access to him.

Sente agreed that having good access to Madigan made a lobbyist a good one.

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.