Boss Madigan busted at last

One more nail in the coffin of Chicago's once powerful political machine

The 13th Ward political operation that he built was a criminal enterprise that provided personal financial rewards for himself and his associates. — Crain’s

Bearing witness from afar to Putin’s criminal siege of Kyiv makes it difficult to enjoy life’s small pleasures. But last night we found time to celebrate the indictment of Chicago machine boss, Michael Madigan on federal racketeering, bribery, wire fraud, and extortion charges.

I’m no fan of long prison sentences but the very idea of Madigan sharing a jail cell for a few years with Ald. Eddie Burke, who’s also awaiting trial on federal corruption charges, brought a smile to my face. I can’t help it. It’s been a long struggle.

Madigan was forced out of office early last year after fellow Democrats trying to distance themselves from their long-time boss, did not back him for another term as IL House speaker.

Now I can’t help but wonder, who Madigan will bring down with him? When a big tree falls in the forest, there are lots of little creatures nesting in its branches. In Madigan’s case, nesting in his pockets.

I bet lots of documents are being shredded in the offices of certain corporations, government, and union officials who helped fill Madigan’s personal campaign war chest and received plenty of patronage in return.

---