Ex-Madigan Staffer Details ComEd Lobbyist’s Outsized Influence

One of the four defendants accused of bribing former Illinois House Speaker Michael Madigan (D) to advance legislation favorable to Exelon and Commonwealth Edison had unparalleled access to the legislative leader, according to Thursday testimony by one of Madigan’s senior staffers.

Will Cousineau’s testimony also helped to show how payments—in the form of allegedly sham consulting contracts for Madigan associates—might benefit the speaker directly.

Documents admitted into evidence showed that Frank Olivo, among those who the government claims ComEd has paid for little or no work, used to be a paid campaigner for Madigan—before ComEd entered into a consulting agreement ...