Last Friday, Judge Blakey sentenced Michael J. Madigan, the longest-serving Speaker of the Illinois House to 7.5 years in prison and restitution of $2.5 million. Madigan will join another long serving politician, Democrat Ed Burke who started his two year sentence last fall. These men, while convicted for separate corruption schemes, both benefited from a property tax system that made them very wealthy over time as they got favorable assessments for their clients, took their cuts, and kept the property system under their political control. It is no doubt how Madigan amassed a net worth of $40 million.
Let’s be clear, Madigan’s power was absolute. He controlled the money and his people with an iron fist. And they obeyed. His conviction and now sentencing on multiple counts of bribery, wire fraud, and conspiracy to commit bribery is a fitting ending to his career. Unfortunately, his legacy continues as Democrat leaders in power now exert the same type of control over their members and pass, arguably, worse legislation that keeps Illinois at the bottom of most economic indicators and the special interests fed with your tax money.
More interesting, is that Judge Blakey noted when handing down his sentence that Madigan is a liar and he showed no remorse. His arrogance knows no bounds.
The Republican Caucus Blog gives a full synopsis of the case.
https://www.thecaucusblog.com/2025/06/madigan-headed-to-prison.html#more