Jon Seidel

The request from Madigan’s lawyers is no surprise. They warned Judge John Blakey it’d be coming after Blakey handed down a harsh sentence June 13.

Michael Madigan, the country’s longest-serving state House leader, served as speaker of the Illinois House from 1983 until 2021, with the exception of two years. Along the way, he developed a reputation as an all-powerful political wizard who wielded vast influence over laws affecting nearly every aspect of life in the state.

Madigan was the longest-serving state House leader in U.S. history, spending 36 years as speaker of the Illinois House of Representatives. Prosecutors want a judge to give him 12 ½ years in prison.

Madigan is scheduled to be sentenced Friday.

A judge also denied Madigan’s bid for a new trial, bringing the once-powerful Democrat ever closer to his sentencing Friday.

‘This decision is independent from any other issue or briefing in this matter,’ a prosecutor told the judge. Madigan’s sentencing is set for June 13.

Budzinski’s testimony comes as prosecutors appear to be nearing the end of their case.

Under the new law, state House and Senate candidates must run in the primary to appear on the November general election ballot — a move leaving prospective candidates in the lurch, viewed as a power grab by the Democrat-led legislature.

Chicago voter turnout was at or near historic lows, likely a signal of either displeasure with the candidates or recognition the party nominees were predetermined.

Objectors asked the court to move quickly and are hoping it will hear arguments as soon as Monday.