Michael Madigan, the long-serving former Illinois House Speaker, faces sentencing this June for multiple convictions related to bribery, conspiracy, and fraud.
As Madigan, 83, prepares to learn his fate from U.S. District Judge John Blakey, nearly 250 supporters have submitted letters advocating for leniency in his punishment.
The impressive list of supporters includes former governors and first ladies, ex-members of Congress, local community leaders, and even the owners of Madigan’s cherished Italian restaurant.
Among those writing in support was Lisa Madigan, the former four-term Democratic Attorney General and one of Madigan’s daughters.
She highlighted the values her father instilled in her and her siblings, emphasizing the importance of honesty, hard work, and education.
“I know Mike Madigan would never intentionally commit a crime. He is the consummate rule follower,” she stated.
Lisa Madigan also argued that punishing her father for his efforts to help people exemplifies a true injustice.
As Madigan awaits sentencing for his 10 separate convictions, federal prosecutors are pushing for a substantial 12½-year prison sentence along with a $1.5 million fine.
In contrast, Madigan’s legal team has requested no jail time, advocating instead for five months of probation and a modest fine.
Former Illinois Governor Jim Edgar, a notable figure in Madigan’s life, recalled their long professional relationship spanning nearly five decades.
Edgar, who served from 1991 to 1999 and is currently battling pancreatic cancer, wrote to Judge Blakey that Madigan was a man of his word, a rarity in the political landscape.
“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,” Edgar stated.
Former First Lady Jayne Carr Thompson also voiced her support for Madigan, citing the integrity her late husband recognized in him during his tenure in public service.
She appealed to Judge Blakey to show mercy in Madigan’s sentencing, considering his decades of dedicated service and reputation for hard work.
Timothy McCarthy, a former police chief in Orland Park and a candidate for Illinois Secretary of State backed by Madigan, shared his impression of the ex-speaker’s honesty and advice throughout their interactions.
McCarthy became famous for being injured while protecting President Reagan during an assassination attempt in 1981 but took time to reflect on his experiences with Madigan.
“He impressed me with his honesty and advice that truthfulness was the most important quality for a successful candidate for public office and for a successful political career,” McCarthy remarked.
Former U.S. Representative William Lipinski, a longtime ally, expressed his admiration for Madigan in his letter, calling him a principled individual and a trustworthy friend.
He characterized him as “Mr. Integrity,” emphasizing Madigan’s dedication to his family, a quality not commonly found in many public figures.
Jerry Reinsdorf, owner of both the Chicago White Sox and Chicago Bulls, also weighed in with his support for Madigan, detailing the critical role he played in securing votes during the legislative effort to maintain the White Sox’s presence in Illinois.
Reinsdorf highlighted the economic impact of keeping the team in Chicago, stating, “Saving the White Sox resulted in hundreds of millions of dollars in economic benefit to Illinois, not to mention making possible the first World Series championship in 88 years.”
He underscored the integrity with which Madigan operated throughout the process, asserting that there were no strings attached to his support.
In closing his letter, Reinsdorf urged Judge Blakey to consider Madigan’s advanced age when determining his sentence.
Another supporter was the proprietors of Bruna’s, a popular restaurant in Madigan’s neighborhood, who praised his character as a gracious and kind patron over the years.
They recounted how Madigan would engage with customers, making a positive impression as both a friendly face and a helpful mentor.
Through these letters of support, it is evident that while Michael Madigan has found himself on the wrong side of the law, he also remains a significant figure in the lives of many who appreciate his contributions to Illinois.
As Judge Blakey prepares to announce his decision, the contrasting narratives of Madigan as a convicted felon and a dedicated public servant continue to coexist.
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