A.D. Q&A with A.D. Quig

A.D. Q&A with The House That Madigan Built author Ray Long


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Illinois’ political world was rocked on March 2, when U.S. Attorney John Lausch announced a 22-count federal racketeering indictment against former House Speaker Michael J. Madigan. The charges allege Madigan oversaw a criminal enterprise to preserve and enhance his political power and finances, reward allies for their loyalty, and generate income for members and associates through illegal activities. Based on other indictments and reporting, it was clear Madigan had been in the feds’ crosshairs for some time, but it was never clear when they might strike… or even if they could. For so long, Madigan had been seen as un-topple-able, or too savvy to say or do anything that could get himself in trouble. Madigan, meanwhile, has maintained his innocence. Here to discuss all things Madigan is Chicago Tribune reporter Ray Long, author of a new book: The House that Madigan Built: The Record Run of Illinois’ Velvet Hammer. Long is a two-time Pulitzer Prize finalist who has covered the state Capitol, City Hall, the courts and the county, two governors who went to prison and a state senator who went to the White House. Long has covered Springfield for 40 years. The book offers a play-by-play of how Madigan accumulated power over his decades-long career: how he helped keep the Chicago White Sox from moving to Florida, a sneak-attack tax hike under the name Operation Cobra, and the impeachment of Rod Blagojevich. It also explores how Madigan pushed job recommendations at Metra, how his position impacted the political aspirations of his daughter, Lisa Madigan, and the beginning of the end of his tenure atop the House. Long talks about all of that, as well as if he believes the Chicago Machine is now, effectively, dead; the difficult task the feds have in proving the difference between routine politics and a criminal offense; and what really motivated the Velvet Hammer.
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A.D. Q&A with A.D. QuigBy Crain's Chicago Business

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