In a surprising move, former Illinois Speaker of the House Mike Madigan took the stand in his federal corruption trial, opening himself up to questioning from prosecutors and the opportunity to address the jury directly. This marks a high-stakes gamble for Madigan, who is the highest-ranking public official to testify at their own trial since former Illinois Gov. Rod Blagojevich.
Reporters were expecting Madigan ’s law partner, Vincent “Bud” Getzendanner, to testify. Instead, Madigan took the stand Tuesday afternoon after a recess in the months-long trial. In doing so, he opened himself up to questions from prosecutors while allowing himself to appeal directly to jurors. The decision shocked the courtroom and triggered a series of legal arguments about how that testimony could be used.
Madigan, who is known for rarely speaking to the media or sharing much information about himself, filled in never-heard-before details of his early years. But first, Madigan’s attorney, Dan Collins, opened with a series of questions upon which the trial hinges.Then, Collins asked, “Did you ever trade your public office for private gain? Ever demanded a thing of value in exchange for an official act, or ever accepted a thing of value for an official act?”For Madigan, who became the highest-ranking public official to testify at their own trial since former Illinois Gov. Rod Blagojevich, the strategy could have high rewards and high risks. Former Illinois Gov. George Ryan and former Chicago Alderman Ed Burke did not testify in their trials. 'It is a huge risk-reward to testify on your own behalf. On the one sense, a public official -- a politician who has made their lives in front of people -- has a tough time remaining silent, and certainly the jury says, 'Why didn't he tell us what the true story is, if he doesn't testify?'' said former federal prosecutor Ron Safer, who is not involved in Madigan's case. During his testimony, Madigan looked directly at the jury, seeming at ease
CORRUPTION TRIAL POLITICS TESTIMONY Madigan
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