Mike Madigan Trial: Day 3 Uncovered How ComEd Legislated Profits through Rate Hikes and Favors to Journalist
The Relationship with ComEd
Scott Vogt, a longtime ComEd executive, took the stand on Wednesday, explaining that if his company wanted to get big things done in Springfield, there was one person to go through.
The Power Dynamics
“It was very important to understand that [Madigan] controlled to a large degree what bills were going to make it to the floor or make it to committee, or what would have an opportunity to be voted on,” Vogt testified.
The Legislation
Vogt explained that ComEd was facing bankruptcy in 2006 and needed two big pieces of legislation to help pull them out. The so-called Smart Grid bill in 2011 and the Future Energy Jobs Act in 2015. Vogt explained that they successfully wooed Madigan and got the bills passed, which provided a windfall of billions for the company.
The Veto and Override
Then-Governor Pat Quinn vetoed the Smart Grid bill in 2011, saying he felt it was bad for ratepayers—indeed, it led to big rate hikes. Madigan led the charge to override Quinn’s veto.
Alleged Favors
Prosecutors did not ask Vogt about alleged favors ComEd had to pay in order to get what it wanted—namely, no-work jobs and contracts for Madigan cronies.
Testimony Continues
Testimony continues on Thursday, with former top Democratic lawmaker Lou Lang expected to take the stand.
Conclusion
The third day of Mike Madigan’s corruption trial shed light on the significant influence ComEd had over the Illinois state legislature. As testified, ComEd’s ability to shape legislation and get bills passed was largely due to Madigan’s control over the process. The allegations of no-work jobs and contracts for Madigan’s associates add another layer of corruption to the case, and the trial will continue to unfold with more testimony to come.
FAQs
* How did ComEd allegedly influence the Illinois state legislature?
* ComEd allegedly used bribes, no-work jobs, and lobbying to pass lucrative legislation, benefiting the company through rate hikes and cementing Madigan’s grip on Illinois politics.
* What was the purpose of the Smart Grid bill and the Future Energy Jobs Act?
* ComEd sought these bills to help pull the company out of bankruptcy, and they led to a windfall of billions for the company.
* Who was involved in the alleged favors paid by ComEd?
* The trial has not yet explored the details of the alleged favors, but it is expected to shed light on the matter in future testimony.
