Trial date set for McClain, other Madigan insiders

Four members of former House Speaker Michael Madigan’s inner circle could face trial late in 2022 for their alleged roles in the ComEd bribery scandal.

What’s still not clear is whether new allegations might surface in the case by then. 

U.S. District Judge Harry Leinenweber on Tuesday scheduled a Sept. 12, 2022, trial for Madigan confidant Michael McClain of Quincy, former ComEd CEO Anne Pramaggiore, onetime ComEd lobbyist John Hooker and ex-Chicago City Club President Jay Doherty. All four have pleaded not guilty in response to a 50-page indictment filed last November that accused them of a long-term bribery scheme designed to curry favor with Madigan.

The indictment filed in November alleged that McClain, Pramaggiore, Hooker and Doherty arranged for Madigan’s associates and allies to get jobs, contracts and money — even while doing little or no work — “for the purpose of influencing and rewarding” Madigan.

Madigan has not been charged and has denied wrongdoing. But the fallout from the investigation finally ended his record-setting tenure as Illinois House speaker earlier this year. He has repeatedly been referred to in court documents as “Public Official A.”