Jon Seidel

“I’ve tried to put some guys together to kick in a grand each," Michael McClain told lobbyist Will Cousineau in August 2018. “No one else even knows about it. Except for our friend.”

Prosecutors say that episode is evidence of a criminal enterprise Michael Madigan led for nearly a decade, with Michael McClain acting as his agent.

Fidel Marquez is likely to revisit much of his testimony from last year’s case about the alleged bribery conspiracy at ComEd. He took the stand around noon Tuesday.

Prosecutors have begun to firm up one of the key pillars of their case, alleging Michael Madigan accepted bribes from ComEd in exchange for favorable treatment of the utility's bills in Springfield.

U.S. District Judge Stephen P. McGlynn put his ruling on hold for 30 days, likely in anticipation of the appeal. The litigation over Illinois’ assault weapons ban is viewed as likely to reach as high as the U.S. Supreme Court.

Madigan defense attorney Daniel Collins protested and acknowledged only that there had been a “light” cross-examination of Fidel Marquez. Judge John Blakey disagreed, telling the lawyers it had been “anything" but light.

Former Illinois House Speaker Michael Madigan and an ally are on trial for a racketeering conspiracy. Madigan is accused of leading a criminal enterprise designed to enhance his political power and enrich his allies.

Judge John Blakey also told jurors Monday that Madigan's trial is no longer expected to wrap up by the end of the year. Rather, he said it could last through the holiday season and into January.

Former Ald. Danny Solis also testified about a suitcase full of "Chinese money" and his dismal personal finances. But the FBI mole had trouble explaining why he dropped the words “quid pro quo” into a chat with former state House Speaker Michael J. Madigan. “I thought it was too blunt.”

Follow along as former Ald. Danny Solis, one of the most anticipated witnesses to take the stand in ex-Illinois House Speaker Michael J. Madigan's trial on corruption charges, resumes his testimony Tuesday afternoon.