As former Illinois House Speaker Michael Madigan awaits sentencing following his conviction on bribery, conspiracy, and fraud charges, nearly 250 supporters have come forward to advocate for leniency.
Among those who submitted letters to U.S. District Judge John Blakey are former governors, ex-members of Congress, and influential community leaders, all of whom have painted a picture of Madigan as a dedicated public servant rather than a criminal.
The impending sentencing is set for June 13, where Madigan could face a significant prison sentence of 12 ½ years and a fine of $1.5 million, if prosecutors have their way.
Contrarily, Madigan’s legal team has petitioned for no prison time, suggesting instead five months of probation and a reasonable fine.
Among the prominent voices in support of Madigan is former Illinois Attorney General Lisa Madigan, his daughter. Lisa recalled the life lessons instilled in her by her father, emphasizing his commitment to law and ethics.
She described Michael Madigan as a rule follower, asserting, “I know Mike Madigan would never intentionally commit a crime.”
According to her, punishing him would be a greater injustice than his legal troubles themselves. She expressed, “Punishing him for trying to help people — something we are all taught to do — is the true injustice.”
Additionally, former Republican Governor Jim Edgar, who has known Madigan for nearly five decades, wrote in his support. Edgar, who served as governor from 1991 to 1999, reflected positively on Madigan’s character, calling him someone who “always kept his word.”
Edgar acknowledged that Madigan made mistakes but argued that his contributions to the state outweighed his legal missteps. He stated, “Mike made mistakes— as we all did in our professional careers — but he did far more good in making this state a better place to live.”
Former First Lady Jayne Carr Thompson echoed similar sentiments, advocating for mercy in Madigan’s sentencing. She urged Judge Blakey to consider his extensive public service record and reputation for hard work and honesty over more than 50 years.
Timothy McCarthy, a former Orland Park Police Chief who once ran for secretary of state with Madigan’s support, also contributed to the chorus of endorsement. McCarthy, known for his bravery as a Secret Service agent during the assassination attempt on President Ronald Reagan, described Madigan as honest and a source of valuable advice about the essential quality of truthfulness in politics.
Furthermore, former U.S. Congressman William Lipinski shared his long-standing friendship with Madigan, referring to him as “Mr. Integrity” and highlighting his role as a devoted husband and father—qualities that are increasingly rare in public life.
The influential owner of the Chicago White Sox and Chicago Bulls, Jerry Reinsdorf, also spoke in favor of Madigan. He detailed Madigan’s crucial influence during a critical legislative vote in 1988 that prevented the White Sox from relocating to Florida, an action he believed resulted in significant economic benefits for the state.
Reinsdorf emphasized that Madigan never sought any personal gain in return for his support, asking Judge Blakey to consider Madigan’s advanced age when determining his sentence.
In letters from Madigan’s supporters, the overarching theme has been one of character and community service, focusing on how Madigan positively impacted the lives of many Illinois residents.
Finally, proprietors of Bruna’s, one of Madigan’s favorite Italian restaurants, wrote a heartfelt letter describing their longtime patron as a gracious and kind figure who was supportive of both customers and staff.
They described Madigan as a gentleman who always made time for conversations with patrons, further illustrating his commitment to community engagement.
As the clock ticks down to his sentencing date, the court will weigh the many voices calling for compassion against the weight of Madigan’s convictions.
No matter the outcome, Madigan’s legacy as a prominent figure in Illinois politics remains a topic of heated discussion and division.
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