CHICAGO (WLS) — Former Illinois House Speaker Mike Madigan, who has been found guilty on corruption charges, is hoping his extensive political network built over 50 years can assist him during his sentencing.
ABC7 Chicago is now streaming 24/7. Click here to watch
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.
“By keeping the White Sox in Illinois, it generated significant economic benefits worth hundreds of millions of dollars. It also enabled the team to secure their first World Series Championship in 88 years,” wrote Reinsdorf.
Defense Attorney Ron Safer said the letters do make a difference.
“When deciding on a sentence, a judge must consider the entirety of the individual’s life, not just the crime they’ve committed. It’s crucial to look at the other 99.9% of their life that remains unconsidered,” said Safer.
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.
Copyright © 2025 WLS-TV. All Rights Reserved.
