Lobbyist Testifies in Madigan Trial: ‘Two Very Angry Politicians’

A Year Lost to Chinatown Project

Nancy Kimme, a veteran Springfield lobbyist, agreed to usher a bill through the Legislature that would hand a state-owned Chinatown parking lot to the city of Chicago in the days of Gov. Bruce Rauner. The longtime Republican thought she had an easy task ahead of her. Instead, Kimme would be confounded by infighting among Democratic politicians, including then-state Sens. Martin Sandoval and Tony Munoz, and then-Ald. Danny Solis (25th).

The Infighting

Kimme repeatedly turned to the man who brought her into the mess, fellow lobbyist Michael McClain, to help her solve the “Rubik’s Cube.” But the two were stumped. Eventually, McClain told Kimme, “there’s something fishy here.”

Corroborating Testimony

The feds called Kimme to the stand while signaling they are near the end of their case against Madigan and could even rest next week. Her testimony serves, in part, to corroborate last week’s testimony from Solis, who was secretly working for the FBI at the time.

What Happened

Madigan put Solis in touch with McClain — who enlisted Kimme — because Madigan was in a feud with Rauner. Meanwhile, Solis told McClain that the developers would give business to Madigan’s private tax appeals law firm if the land transfer went through.

The Unraveling

For roughly two-and-a-half hours Thursday, jurors heard Kimme describe how the project unraveled over eight months — and they heard more than 20 FBI recordings — in a tale involving characters such as Sandoval; Munoz; state Rep. Theresa Mah, D-Chicago; and former state Reps. Dan Burke, also a Chicago Democrat, and Republican Avery Bourne of downstate Morrisville.

“Two Very Angry Politicians”

“What you ran into is two very angry politicians, apparently: Tony Munoz and Sandoval,” Tom Breen, one of Madigan’s defense attorneys, asked Kimme.

The Verdict

“That’s right,” Kimme said.

Conclusion

Kimme’s testimony provided insight into the inner workings of the alleged racketeering conspiracy and the motivations of the individuals involved. As the trial continues, it remains to be seen whether Madigan and McClain will be convicted of the charges against them.

FAQs

What was the purpose of the Chinatown parking lot bill?
The bill aimed to hand a state-owned Chinatown parking lot to the city of Chicago.

Who was involved in the infighting?
Infighting involved Democratic politicians, including then-state Sens. Martin Sandoval and Tony Munoz, and then-Ald. Danny Solis (25th).

What was the outcome of the project?
The project ultimately did not pass, with no bill being signed into law.

What is the significance of Kimme’s testimony?
Kimme’s testimony provided insight into the inner workings of the alleged racketeering conspiracy and the motivations of the individuals involved.