Do the Feds Have Madigan on Tape?
Former House Speaker Michael Madigan may have been recorded on a wire worn by former Chicago Alderman Danny Solis.
Federal prosecutors may have former House Speaker Michael Madigan on tape.
The Chicago Tribune reports former Chicago Alderman Danny Solis wore a wire in conversations with the embattled former House Speaker:
Then-25th Ward Ald. Daniel Solis recorded Madigan on numerous occasions as the speaker allegedly sought business for his private law firm, two sources with knowledge of the probe said.
Among their discussions was a plan to turn a state-owned parcel of land in Chinatown into a commercial development. Though the land deal never was consummated, it’s been a source of continued interest for federal investigators, who last year subpoenaed Madigan’s office for records and communications he’d had with key players. At least one of them recently appeared before the grand jury investigating Madigan’s political operation, sources told the Tribune.
In the ensuing months, Solis recorded Madigan talking with another developer about potential real estate deals, the sources said. He also wired up on a number of colleagues at the 2016 Democratic National Convention, where Madigan led the Illinois delegation that helped nominate Hillary Clinton, according to court records and sources. The alderman’s sister, Patti Solis Doyle, was a longtime Clinton aide who for a time ran her 2008 presidential campaign.
The Solis recordings of Madigan, which have not been reported before, add to the public’s understanding of the long-running federal probe. When Solis was first approached by federal investigators five years ago, for example, it wasn’t Ald. Edward Burke who was in their sights, but Madigan.
In addition, Solis wearing a wire on Madigan, a famously cautious and shrewd political boss, could help explain why federal prosecutors apparently have cut Solis an unprecedented deal in exchange for his stunning turn as an FBI mole.
There have been rumors in Springfield that federal investigators are closing in on Madigan, and getting the notoriously closed off and tech-averse Madigan on tape could be a centerpiece in an eventual case against the former Speaker.
His former Chief of Staff, Tim Mapes, was indicted in May after allegedly lying to a grand jury. A top consigliere, former State Representative and retired lobbyist Mike McClain is at the center of the Commonwealth Edison bribery scheme intended to produce legislative accomplishments, jobs, and to curry favor with the former Speaker.
Madigan resigned from the House in February after being deposed as Speaker by fellow Democrats in January.