Dupage Policy Journal

Former Republican Illinois State Rep. Jeanne Ives says that the guilty verdict in the ComEd Four trial is a clear indicator of corruption in the state’s political atmosphere.

Former House Speaker Michael Madigan associate Michael McClain, former ComEd CEO Anne Pramaggiore, ex-ComEd lobbyist John Hooker, and onetime City Club President Jay Doherty were found guilty May 2 of nine different counts for conspiracy, bribery, and fraud in connection with allegations of corporate and political bribery involving Madigan. 

In a May 2 Twitter post, Ives condemned the four defendants adding, “And so mamy [sic] others should go to jail for playing along.” Ives said that she suspected all along that the defendants were knowingly attempting to bribe and buy Madigan through shady methods of supporting his friends and allies, and that she feels it is exactly the same as what is currently going on with the Illinois Education Association.

"1. Next investigate the IEA and the millions they have sent to Democrats. 2. Every Dem in Springfield knew this was happening. These goons were imbedded in their campaigns. Didn't they ask how they were paid? 3. I want my money back with interest from ComEd for paying these goons," Ives wrote in a May 3 Twitter post.

Ives also referred to legislation that benefitted public utilities.

"All the utility bills - including AT&T bills - are some of the most political bills negotiated in Springfield," Ives said in a Facebook video. "In fact, many of these bills come up for renewal or expansion every two years like clockwork, just in time for campaign cash to be handed out before elections."

The ComEd Four allegations date years back to a total of $1.3 million paid out to five different allies of Madigan, for work that was very minimal or nonexistent. The money was suspected to be instrumental in influencing legislation approving rate hikes for ComEd that saved them from bankruptcy in 2016.

The defendants had denied the charges and described their actions as routine business and lobbying efforts, the Chicago Sun Times reported. 

Sentencing for the four defendants will be determined at a later date.

Madigan will face his own trial in 2024 after years of investigation on his grip of power in the House which ended in 2021.