Michael Madigan, the former speaker of the Illinois House and for decades one of the nation’s most powerful legislators, was charged Wednesday with racketeering and bribery.  He becomes the most prominent politician swept up in the latest federal investigation of government corruption in the state.  The 79-year-old Madigan is facing 22 counts, according to the indictment.

Madigan was the longest-serving state House speaker in modern U.S. history.  Nicknamed the “Velvet Hammer” for his insistence on strict party discipline, has long been criticized for corrupt actions while leading the democratic party.  A procession of top state politicians, including three governors, have been charged during his tenure, but politicians long believed the savvy Madigan would never be among them.

The Chicago Democrat was implicated in 2020 in a long-running bribery scheme involving the state's largest electric utility, ComEd.  Court filings at the time didn't name Madigan directly but made it clear he was the person in documents referred to as “Public Official A."

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