The eagerly anticipated “ComEd Four” bribery trial gets underway today in Chicago.
Why it’s important Former ComEd executives are accused by federal prosecutors of conspiring to bribe individuals close to the former Illinois House Speaker Mike Madigan in exchange for advantageous legislative packages, some of which were at the expense of Illinois consumers.
Catch up quickly: Two ComEd executives are charged with coming up with a complex plan to award positions, board seats, cash, and perks to Madigan allies, along with former City Club president Jay Doherty.
The fourth defendant is Mike McClain, a longtime buddy of Madigan’s, a former state representative and ComEd lobbyist who is accused of serving as the middleman between Madigan and ComEd.
A contentious rate increase passed by the legislature in 2016 that supported nuclear power facilities was one stated advantage for ComEd.
Rewind: The co-defendants, who have pleaded not guilty, were charged with bribery in 2020 and were indicted.
As part of an agreement to end the federal criminal probe, ComEd admitted in court that year to paying money to Madigan’s allies. They made $200 million in fine payments to the government.
Between the lines: Because to the lobbyist’s long-standing friendship with Madigan, McClain is the focus of this trial.
The broader picture: Madigan’s trial, which is set for 2024, is seen as a forerunner to this case.
The long-standing practice of Democratic politicians and staffers leaving their positions in government to serve as lobbyists for the utility will also be examined and exposed.
Context: Over the years, a number of judicial decisions have limited political employment and patronage in government.
The defense makes an allegation.
The prosecution is alleging that Madigan and his associates sought to use the public utility company as private-sector patronage, securing Madigan allies jobs and board appointments.
Of note: Madigan was accused of doing similar hiring at the transit agency Metra in 2013.
What they’re saying: Madigan, McClain and the other defendants deny any wrongdoing, suggesting that the federal government is criminalizing legal lobbying that routinely happens in politics.
What we’re watching: Madigan is likely to be invoked, though not always by name, in recorded conversations over the course of the trial.
Former ComEd CEO Anne Pramaggiore allegedly refers to Madigan only as “our friend” in one recorded call with McClain.
