Former State Rep. Lou Lang, D-Skokie, has taken the witness stand at the bribery and racketeering trial of former Illinois House Speaker Michael Madigan and co-defendant Michael McClain.
When prosecutor Amar Bhachu asked Lang about the former speaker, Lang said Madigan was the most powerful member of the Illinois House and the “ultimate decision-maker.”
During the ComEd Four trial last year, prosecutors entered phone-recorded evidence of Madigan speaking with McClain after reports surfaced of a potential sexual harassment claim against Lang.
“Mike, if you think I’m wrong, tell me I’m wrong, but I don’t how he continues down there,” Madigan told McClain on the recording.
Soon after, McClain urged Lang, a longtime Madigan ally, to consider a different career. Lang resigned and went to work as a lobbyist less than three months later.
McClain, former ComEd CEO Anne Pramaggiore, former ComEd lobbyist John Hooker and former contract lobbyist Jay Doherty were convicted of conspiracy, bribery and willfully falsifying records in the ComEd Four trial last year. The case involved a conspiracy to bribe Madigan with no-show jobs, contracts and payments to associates in exchange for supporting legislation that would benefit ComEd.
Before the jury entered the courtroom, attorneys discussed potential lines of questioning for former State Rep. Bob Rita, D-Blue Island, who may testify later on Thursday.
Madigan is facing 23 counts of bribery, racketeering and official misconduct.
