CHICAGO (WLS) — Former Illinois House Speaker Mike Madigan, who has been convicted of corruption charges, is counting on his extensive network built over 50 years in politics to potentially influence his upcoming sentencing.
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Well over 100 people, including some very prominent names are coming to Madigan’s defense.
It is a common practice for people facing sentencing to present these letters. In many cases, the letters do have an impact.
For 83-year-old Madigan the prospect of a lengthy prison sentence could make it a life sentence.
Madigan, nicknamed the “Velvet Hammer” was convicted in federal court on 10 counts, including bribery and wire fraud.
White Sox owner Jerry Reinsdorf was among some of the big names writing a letter on Madigan’s behalf.
He credited Madigan with helping keep the team in Chicago and getting a new stadium.
Jerry Reinsdorf highlighted the economic benefits brought to Illinois by his intervention that allowed the White Sox to be saved. This move not only boosted the state’s economy by hundreds of millions of dollars but also paved the way for the team to win its first World Series Championship in almost a century.
Defense Attorney Ron Safer said the letters do make a difference.
In considering the sentencing, reporter Morley Safer emphasized that while the judge is tasked with delivering a sentence based on the committed crime, it is crucial to also reflect on the other aspects of the individual’s life, which make up a significant portion of their character.
Former U.S. Senator Carol Moseley Braun wrote in her letter: “I was thunderstruck when I learned he (Madigan) had been indicted, particularly for activity related to his official conduct. I have always known him to be honest, and a credit to his position.”
Father Micheal Pfleger praised Madigan’s efforts on gun control and a tax program to help private schools, writing:
“I have always found him to be straightforward and to have a deep concern for the issues that we faced on the South Side of Chicago.”
Prosecutors are asking for Madigan to be sentenced to 12 and a half years in prison. Madigan’s attorneys are pushing for five-year probation.
“I think there will be a balance between the two,” Safer said. “He’s not going to give him probation. On the other hand, he’s similarly not going to sentence him to 12-and-a-half years.”
Numerous union leaders and business leaders also sent letters of support.
Several Republicans also sent letters, including former two-term Governor Jim Edgar.
“Throughout those many years, I found Mike Madigan to be a person who always kept his word, and that is somewhat unusual for people in that world,” Edgar wrote.
Madigan is set to be sentenced on Friday, June 13.
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