Judge denies defense motion to exclude some evidence in former IL House Speaker Mike Madigan trial

CHICAGO (WLS) -- Thursday began in former Illinois House Speaker Michael Madigan's federal corruption trial with a motion to exclude some evidence.

Defense attorneys filed a motion to exclude any references to the creation of documents and phone calls about tax issues with Kevin Quinn.

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The judge ended up denying the motion.

Just after 9:30 a.m., longtime Madigan aide Will Cousineau returned to the stand for a third day.

Cousineau served a dual role as both Madigan's issues director and political director of the Democratic Party of Illinois.

In exchange for his testimony, the government served Cousineau with a letter of immunity, which essentially says he cannot be charged if he testifies truthfully.

During his testimony, Cousineau has given an inside look into how the speaker's office operated under Madigan, and the people who were part of his inner circle.

Often during his testimony, Cousineau has seemed reluctant to answer or does so in a low voice.

This is the third time Cousineau has been called to testify in a federal case related to Madigan. He was previously called both during the ComEd Four Trial and during the perjury trial of Tim Mapes, Madigan's former chief of staff.

The former Illinois House speaker is accused of a sophisticated bribery and racketeering scheme.

The trial could last three months.

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