U.S. Rep. Nikki Budzinski Could Be Called to Testify in Madigan Corruption Trial
Federal Prosecutors to Call Sitting Member of Congress to the Witness Stand
Federal prosecutors intend to call U.S. Rep. Nikki Budzinski to the witness stand next week as they are apparently nearing the end of their case against former Illinois House Speaker Michael J. Madigan.
Scheduling Issues Lead to Disclosure of Budzinski’s Potential Testimony
The disclosure that a sitting member of Congress could be called to testify in Madigan’s trial came amid discussion of scheduling issues in the trial Wednesday morning. Assistant U.S. Attorney Amarjeet Bhachu told the judge that prosecutors have been trying to schedule her testimony around votes in Washington, D.C.
Budzinski’s Testimony Expected to Take Place Monday Morning
Bhachu said the plan is to have Budzinski take the witness stand Monday morning. Bhachu also told the judge that prosecutors could rest their case against Madigan as soon as next week.
Reason for Budzinski’s Testimony Remains Unclear
Budzinski, a Downstate Democrat, is a former aide to Gov. JB Pritzker. Prosecutors did not explain why she will be called to testify. However, they have also said they intend to call members of Pritzker’s staff to testify about one of the five alleged schemes at issue in Madigan’s trial.
Madigan’s Trial Centers Around Racketeering Conspiracy Charges
Madigan is on trial for a racketeering conspiracy. He is accused of leading a criminal enterprise designed to enhance his political power and financial well-being. Michael McClain, Madigan’s longtime ally, is also on trial and accused of acting as Madigan’s agent.
Alleged Schemes at Issue in Trial
Prosecutors allege that Madigan took advantage of then-Chicago Ald. Danny Solis, who was the City Council’s Zoning chair at the time, to steer legal work to Madigan’s private tax appeals law firm, Madigan & Getzendanner.
Solis’ Undercover Cooperation Key to Prosecution’s Case
But Solis was secretly wearing a wire for the FBI in 2017 and 2018, recording his conversations with Madigan and others. On June 20, 2018, he asked for Madigan’s help landing a paid seat on a government board as part of an FBI ruse.
Pritzker’s Staff Expected to Testify in Trial
Prosecutors have previously said they plan to call members of Pritzker’s staff to show that Madigan “routinely sought to make recommendations to the governor and his administration concerning appointments” to state boards.
Conclusion
The trial of Michael J. Madigan is expected to continue with the potential testimony of U.S. Rep. Nikki Budzinski and other key witnesses.
FAQs
* Who is U.S. Rep. Nikki Budzinski?
+ A sitting member of Congress and former aide to Gov. JB Pritzker
* Why is Budzinski being called to testify in Madigan’s trial?
+ The reason for her testimony remains unclear
* What are the allegations against Madigan?
+ Racketeering conspiracy and leading a criminal enterprise to enhance his political power and financial well-being
