In a pivotal day-long testimony, Thomas O’Neill, the former General Counsel of ComEd, delved deeply into the serious corruption allegations facing ex-Illinois House Speaker Mike Madigan and his co-defendant, Mike McClain, shedding light on the intricate details of the case.
O’Neill portrayed ComEd, the utility powerhouse, as being in a “precarious financial position” as far back as July 2010, explicitly emphasizing that the company was struggling and in urgent need of innovative strategies to restructure its customer rates.
As part of his responsibilities, O’Neill devoted over six years tirelessly negotiating and drafting three significant legislative measures that were instrumental in reviving ComEd’s financial health, actively engaging with lawmakers and stakeholders in Springfield.
He testified that his dealings were often met with inquiries about Madigan’s stance on various measures: “I got asked frequently, if not constantly: Does the speaker support this? Or, where is the speaker on this?” highlighting the Speaker’s critical role in the legislative landscape.
O’Neill acknowledged that the company depended heavily on contract lobbyist McClain for vital access to Madigan, establishing a network of influence essential for their legislative agenda.
“Mr. McClain had free access in the speaker’s suite,” O’Neill remarked, as he meticulously connected the dots for the prosecution, presenting a clear narrative of how political relationships intersected with corporate interests.
Prosecutors established a direct correlation between the legislative initiatives and a pivotal contract signed by ComEd in October 2011 with Reyes Kurson, a law firm led by Victor Reyes, a known political ally of Madigan, further implicating the intricate ties between legislation and influence.
The contract was finalized just as the General Assembly cast its votes to override Governor Pat Quinn’s veto of ComEd’s significant legislative proposal, demonstrating the chaotic intersection of political maneuvering and corporate strategy.
When O’Neill later attempted to reduce the law firm’s billable hours while another ComEd proposal was pending, ComEd’s CEO Anne Pramaggiore received a cautionary message from McClain.
“I’m sure you know how valuable Victor is to our Friend,” McClain warned. “If you do not get involved and resolve this issue of 850 hours for his law firm per year then he will go to our Friend. Our Friend will call me and then I will call you. Is this a drill we must go through?”
Prosecutors identified the “Friend” referred to in McClain’s message as Madigan, drawing a direct line to the corrupt relationship underlying the allegations.
Ultimately, the contract was reauthorized several months later, coinciding with the successful conclusion of ComEd’s third major legislative initiative in Springfield. O’Neill is slated to return to the witness stand on Tuesday, where he is expected to face rigorous cross-examination from defense attorneys.
