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Closing in on his "Führer” himself? Aka Madigan


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  • 3 weeks later...

Article from Chicago Tribune. For some reason phone is not letting me get a clean link to it.

 

 

Column: The feds’ surgical strike against Speaker Madigan’s allies

 

There’s something particularly unsettling about federal agents barging into the homes of Speaker Michael Madigan’s closest confidants. The raids didn’t unfold at campaign headquarters or a law firm or a City Hall office. They were unannounced impositions into sacred spaces, into living rooms, along picture-framed hallways, near tossed shoes and empty coffee cups and unmade beds. They were personal.

 

The feds in mid-May visited the homes of Madigan’s longtime foot soldier, Kevin Quinn; Madigan’s friend and Springfield workhorse, Mike McClain; and his Southwest Side ally, former Chicago Ald. Michael R. Zalewski, in what is now believed to have been a coordinated effort by federal law enforcement officials in Chicago.

 

The feds also served utility giant ComEd with a grand jury subpoena inquiring about the company’s lobbying practices. McClain has been one of several deeply connected lobbyists for ComEd. Multiple sources have indicated the feds are exploring whether jobs or favors were requested or exchanged between the company and government leaders. If investigators can verify that trade-offs benefited insiders to grease ComEd’s legislative agenda — a private benefit for a government act — they could move forward with allegations of criminal activity.

 

It’s tricky ground. Horse-trading in politics is legal — I’ll vote for your bill if you vote for mine — so long as it doesn’t depend on personal or financial gain. But elected officials can’t use the public’s business to benefit themselves, their friends or their families.

 

What we’ve seen endlessly in this city and state are political activities that cross the line. Extortion. Bribery. Corruption. The Tribune has tracked 30 aldermen since 1972 convicted of crimes related to their official duties.

 

“Hire my kid and I’ll help with your legislation.”

 

“Pick my law firm and I’ll expedite your building permit.”

 

“Give me campaign donations so I can pay my mortgage.”

 

For the feds to receive a judge’s approval to search the homes of Madigan’s friends, the suspicion of illegal activity on someone’s part had to be recent. The feds had to convince a judge the “fruits” or instruments of a recent crime could be found inside the homes of Quinn, McClain and Zalewski. Judges sign off on search warrants for activity that is urgent. They also limit what can be searched — a home office, a basement storage unit, a laptop. The raids evidently were not the stuff of television dramas, of sliced-up couch cushions or overturned tables. The searches were so quiet, word only leaked out weeks after they were over.

 

We don’t know if the feds found anything. Quinn, McClain and Zalewski are not accused of wrongdoing. They have not been charged with a crime. Prosecutors got permission to search. That’s it.

 

Their link, though, is Madigan, the longtime House speaker known for being meticulous in separating his public and personal roles. The confluence of characters, of his closest associates, cannot be discounted. These subjects were not chosen at random. Could it indicate a tightening of prosecutorial focus on the longtime speaker?

 

Four years into George Ryan’s term as governor, several members of his inner circle known as his “kitchen cabinet” got slapped with indictments. Lawrence Warner, Donald Udstuen, Alan Drazek and Roger Stanley — names unfamiliar to most people outside government — faced charges alleging they personally profited from corruption schemes linked to Illinois government. They had landed lucrative state leases on property they owned. They had created side companies to hide payoffs, slipped each other envelopes of cash and personally benefited from contracts they helped steer through Metra, state government and a national political campaign.

 

They slopped at the trough of taxpayers and took care of their friend, the governor. They were his loyalists. They risked. They schemed. Eventually under pressure from the feds, some of them flipped and cooperated in building a case against Ryan, including his confidant and former chief of staff, Scott Fawell. Fawell remained a hostile witness at trial, but he provided detail into the schemes that Ryan knew about. Ryan was convicted in 2006 on 18 felony corruption counts and sentenced to 6 1/2 years in prison.

 

In Ryan’s case, investigators picked off the less vital organs before aiming at the heart. Is that happening here? Too early to say. But it’s starting to look like a familiar surgical strike.

 

Kristen McQueary is a member of the Tribune Editorial Board.

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https://www.chicagotribune.com/news/criminal-justice/ct-mike-madigan-kevin-quinn-checks-comed-20190724-5vvio47tcvhqxcwhulwggfbqem-story.html

 

Federal investigators are looking into $10,000 in payments from current and former ComEd lobbyists to an ousted political operative for House Speaker Michael Madigan, sources have told the Chicago Tribune.

Records obtained by the Tribune reveal that the checks went to Kevin Quinn, a former top Madigan lieutenant and brother of 13th Ward Ald. Marty Quinn, after he was dismissed from the speaker’s political operation in early 2018 amid a sexual harassment scandal.

 

The checks came from accounts linked to five current or former lobbyists for utility giant ComEd, including Madigan’s close confidant Michael McClain, records showed. McClain’s home in downstate Quincy was raided by the FBI two months ago.

The FBI is looking at the checks as part of an ongoing investigation, a source with knowledge of the probe told the Tribune.

 

In addition to the federal attention, the checks Kevin Quinn received could prove politically damaging for Madigan, who dismissed Quinn in February 2018 after campaign worker Alaina Hampton accused him of repeatedly sexually harassing her.

 

In September 2018, Madigan penned an op-ed to the Tribune promising a top-to-bottom reform of how his office handled such issues.

 

“I have made it a personal mission to take this issue head-on and correct past mistakes," Madigan wrote. “I wish I would have done so sooner.”

 

That same month, Madigan allies sent checks to Kevin Quinn, according to copies of the records reviewed by the Tribune.

 

A check for $1,000 went to Quinn from the law firm of John Bradley, records show. Bradley, a former state representative from Marion who was part of Madigan’s House Democratic leadership team, is now a registered lobbyist for ComEd. Bradley’s firm also wrote three more checks to Quinn, each for $1,000, In January, February and March 2019, according to the records.

Two other checks for $1,000 each came from Cornerstone Government Affairs, a Washington-based firm that has among its ranks Will Cousineau, who bills himself on the company website as the longest-serving political director to Madigan and Illinois House Democrats. Cousineau joined the firm in June 2017, and ComEd is a Cornerstone client. The checks were both issued in January 2019.

On Tuesday evening, a Cornerstone spokesman said the lobbying firm had received a subpoena related to Quinn’s work as an independent contractor. Quinn was paid $1,000-a-month for six months ending in March 2019 for doing research and monitoring committee hearings, the spokesman said.

 

What a web.....

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No one can ever tell me this isnt a clear case of RICO if there ever was one.
The RICO Act was created for exactly this type of thing. It's an ongoing criminal enterprise. I bet everyone thought Burke was untouchable until, well, he wasn't.

 

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I just hope indictments/charges are brought against Madigan.

 

Anything that will wake this state up to just how corrupt it is. If you do not believe it is corrupt, can you atleast admit it is run wrong? The same man controls both options.

 

 

Seriously, while these probes/raids/investigations are ongoing, wouldn't now be the time to challenge term limits and redistricting again?

 

His Majesty is running low on campaign funds(not personal) for his defense, why not attack and challenge past rulings with new suits and strike that iron while it's hot.

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Good god LOFL. From 2 hours ago

 

https://chicago.suntimes.com/politics/2019/7/24/20726380/lobbyists-paid-kevin-quinn-brothers-madigan-lawyer-independent-review-harassment

 

A lawyer hired by Illinois House Speaker Mike Madigan last year to investigate allegations of sexual harassment within his political organization including those leveled against longtime political aide Kevin Quinn is the sister of two lobbyists who reportedly paid Quinn $2,000 earlier this year.

 

 

Kelly Smith-Haley was retained by Madigan in February 2018 to receive and investigate harassment allegations regarding the speakers political staff, according to a Feb. 16, 2018 letter Madigan sent to the House Democratic caucus and to staffers.

 

Smith-Haley will provide independent review of allegations, conduct investigations, and provide recommendations for updating policies and procedures including clear rules for conduct and penalties for violations, the letter said.

 

A Madigan spokeswoman on Wednesday confirmed Smith-Haley remains outside counsel for harassment allegations regarding the speakers political staff.

 

Smith-Haleys brothers, Mike Smith and Bill Smith, both work at Cornerstone Government Affairs, a public relations and lobbying firm. Bill Smith is a senior consultant, and Mike Smith is a principal and director at the Washington-based firm, which also operates in Chicago. The Chicago Tribune on Wednesday reported Quinn received two checks for $1,000 each from Cornerstone Government Affairs in January, four months before his home was raided by federal agents. Its not clear what authorities were seeking in the raid.

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I am thinking THIS is the reason his DAUGHTER did not run for state attorney general, she had to know it was coming.

 

I would be willing to wager that for 8 years under a certain president the Chicago Democrat party/machine got complacent and doubled down on everything. Now they have someone in the office that has dealt with them and knows how the scam works when you do business in Illinois and Chicago and the crack down is coming.

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I am thinking THIS is the reason his DAUGHTER did not run for state attorney general, she had to know it was coming.

 

I would be willing to wager that for 8 years under a certain president the Chicago Democrat party/machine got complacent and doubled down on everything. Now they have someone in the office that has dealt with them and knows how the scam works when you do business in Illinois and Chicago and the crack down is coming.

 

Possibly. You need to remember that Lisa is his adopted daughter. Not being a "blood relative", he might not have confided that much in her.

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I am thinking THIS is the reason his DAUGHTER did not run for state attorney general, she had to know it was coming.

 

I would be willing to wager that for 8 years under a certain president the Chicago Democrat party/machine got complacent and doubled down on everything. Now they have someone in the office that has dealt with them and knows how the scam works when you do business in Illinois and Chicago and the crack down is coming.

 

Possibly. You need to remember that Lisa is his adopted daughter. Not being a "blood relative", he might not have confided that much in her.

 

 

She didn't get to be the State Attorney without a little bit of dads grease rubbing off along the way.

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Ex-labor leader pleads guilty in extortion case

John T. Coli, who has ties to many prominent local politicians, will cooperate with federal investigations as part of his plea deal.

 

A onetime labor leader with ties to several prominent Illinois politicians pleaded guilty in federal court Tuesday in a lesser-known extortion case that still threatens to reach deep into the state’s halls of power.

 

As part of his plea deal, former Teamster chief John T. Coli will cooperate with the feds in other investigations.

 

....

 

The case has simmered in the background for the last few years. Since then, the Chicago Sun-Times revealed that the case against Coli was built with the help of Cinespace President Alexander S. “Alex” Pissios, who wore a wire against Coli.

 

Pissios told authorities that Coli had introduced him to Gov. Pat Quinn and Chicago Mayors Richard M. Daley and Rahm Emanuel, as well as Illinois House Speaker Michael J. Madigan and Illinois Senate President John Cullerton. They all received campaign contributions from organizations under Coli’s control.

 

Meanwhile, it’s clear the investigation that led to Coli’s indictment did not go dormant. For example, a diamond engagement ring that Quinn’s campaign manager bought for Quinn’s press secretary has become part of the probe, the Sun-Times has learned.

 

.....

 

https://chicago.suntimes.com/politics/2019/7/30/20746272/ex-teamsters-leader-john-coli-extortion-casewn/

 

 

Oh my this keeps getting better and better since he's not just beginning his cooperation. He's been narc'ing for a while now.

 

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Ex-labor leader pleads guilty in extortion case John T. Coli, who has ties to many prominent local politicians, will cooperate with federal investigations as part of his plea deal. A onetime labor leader with ties to several prominent Illinois politicians pleaded guilty in federal court Tuesday in a lesser-known extortion case that still threatens to reach deep into the state’s halls of power. As part of his plea deal, former Teamster chief John T. Coli will cooperate with the feds in other investigations. .... The case has simmered in the background for the last few years. Since then, the Chicago Sun-Times revealed that the case against Coli was built with the help of Cinespace President Alexander S. “Alex” Pissios, who wore a wire against Coli. Pissios told authorities that Coli had introduced him to Gov. Pat Quinn and Chicago Mayors Richard M. Daley and Rahm Emanuel, as well as Illinois House Speaker Michael J. Madigan and Illinois Senate President John Cullerton. They all received campaign contributions from organizations under Coli’s control. Meanwhile, it’s clear the investigation that led to Coli’s indictment did not go dormant. For example, a diamond engagement ring that Quinn’s campaign manager bought for Quinn’s press secretary has become part of the probe, the Sun-Times has learned. ..... https://chicago.suntimes.com/politics/2019/7/30/20746272/ex-teamsters-leader-john-coli-extortion-casewn/ Oh my this keeps getting better and better since he's not just beginning his cooperation. He's been narc'ing for a while now. Sent from my VS987 using Tapatalk

I feel a Chris Mathews "tingle" going up my leg...

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Fed strategy is as follows. Set CI or UC loose. Allow CI/UC to report crimes of reckless/careless, loud-mouthed little fish. Bust said little fish for something that is enough to give the little fish an "oh ****" moment. Tell little fish "wear a bleeping wire or we'll nail you to the wall." Little fish wears wire, catches bigger fish. Wash, rinse, repeat (or however the saying goes) until you get to the equivalent of the great white shark.

 

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I am thinking THIS is the reason his DAUGHTER did not run for state attorney general, she had to know it was coming.

 

I would be willing to wager that for 8 years under a certain president the Chicago Democrat party/machine got complacent and doubled down on everything. Now they have someone in the office that has dealt with them and knows how the scam works when you do business in Illinois and Chicago and the crack down is coming.

 

Possibly. You need to remember that Lisa is his adopted daughter. Not being a "blood relative", he might not have confided that much in her.

 

 

She didn't get to be the State Attorney without a little bit of dads grease rubbing off along the way.

 

Don Stephens (Rosemont & the casino he wanted) was a big part of her getting the AG office, then she turns around and stabs Stephens in the back.

Stephens didn't like that, and Skip Saviano paid the price (his district gerrymandered out and Willis installed).

 

She's as dirty as a bar's mud wrestler.

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  • 2 weeks later...
Reading the Coli article its just amazing how deep this stuff goes and no one is in jail yet. Everyone is connected to someone . Its just mind boggling.
Yes it's truly sickening but it doesn't paint half of the picture. Or barely half. There's a lot of financial crimes being committed in Chicago. Like...A LOT. Kim Foxx's husband is...well I strongly suggest those interested in money laundering and the like look into his company, Loop Capital.

 

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  • 5 months later...

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