Prairie State Wire

Jeanne Ives, founder of Breakthrough Ideas, commented on the outcome of the federal trial involving former House Speaker Michael Madigan. "Madigan's power was absolute because his members gave him that power," she said on X on February 12.

"Absolute Power Corrupts," said Ives. "Madigan's power was absolute because his members gave him that power. They are guilty, too. Deb Conroy, Chris Welch, and so many other so-called leaders."

The post on X referenced a report by WTTW detailing the jury verdict in Madigan's federal trial. The jury deadlocked on 12 charges but found Madigan guilty on 10 charges. He was acquitted of attempted extortion and three other charges related to efforts to illegally steer business to his law firm. Morris Pasqual, Acting U.S. Attorney for the District of Illinois, emphasized that citizens have the right to trust their public officials to make decisions in the public's best interest. The WTTW report also noted that Pasqual’s office has not yet decided whether to retry Madigan on the charges where the jury could not reach a verdict.

Screenshot of Jeanne Ives' Feb. 12 post on X. | X

According to the Chicago Tribune, the jury could not reach a verdict on six charges against co-defendant Michael McClain and deadlocked on 12 of the 23 charges against Madigan. Sentencing has not yet been scheduled. The trial lasted over four months and featured testimony from more than 60 witnesses, including nearly a decade’s worth of evidence. This evidence included testimony from a 25th Ward alderman who wore a wire and provided information to the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI). Madigan testified in his own defense, denying some schemes and evidence while explaining others.

According to the Chicago Sun-Times, the jury, which consisted of eight women and four men, deliberated for nearly 65 hours before announcing their decision to U.S. District Judge John Blackey.

Jeanne Ives is a former Illinois State Representative who served for six years representing Illinois House District 42. She ran for governor in 2018 and also campaigned for a congressional seat in Illinois' 6th District in 2020, according to Ballotpedia.