(The Center Square) – Judge John Robert Blakey and attorneys have discussed upcoming witnesses and potential schedule changes in the corruption trial of former Illinois House Speaker Michael Madigan and codefendant Michael McClain in Chicago.
Blakey said Tuesday that jurors had inquired about possibly getting a day or two off and asked prosecutors and defense attorneys to discuss the matter. Blakey suggested Wednesday that next Monday and Tuesday might be days off, but U.S. government attorney Amar Bhachu advised the court that he expected Illinois U.S. Rep. Nikki Budzinski, D-Peoria, to testify Monday.
Bhachu said the government had been working to schedule Budzinski’s testimony at a time when she would not have to miss a U.S. House vote in Washington.
Budzinski took office in 2023 and defeated Republican challenger Joshua Loyd in her reelection bid last month.
Government attorney Sarah Streicker called former Madigan chief of staff Jessica Basham, who is now a governmental consultant and lobbyist, to testify Wednesday morning. Before the jury was seated, prosecutors and Madigan’s defense attorneys argued about Basham’s potential testimony and which evidence would be admissible.
Government attorneys suggested they were ahead of schedule and said they expected to rest their case next week. Madigan attorney Todd Pugh said the defense team planned to issue subpoenas, but he did not offer details.
Once the jury was seated, Streicker introduced several records and documents related to Madigan’s former law firm, Madigan and Getzendanner.
Madigan and McClain are charged with 23 counts of bribery, racketeering and official misconduct.