ComEd Four Trial Closes, Jury Gearing Up for Deliberations (2)

A former Commonwealth Edison executive and a lobbyist on trial for allegedly bribing former Illinois House Speaker Michael Madigan (D) to advance the utility company’s legislative agenda told jurors on Monday that the government showed their actions were good lobbying, not illegal acts.

Closings for John Hooker and Jay Doherty followed on Tuesday, with the government providing a brief rebuttal. Jury deliberations will follow.

Michael McClain’s counsel addressed the jury after the prosecution gave its summation, followed by counsel for Anne Prammagiore. McClain was hired as a lobbyist by ComEd, primarily because of his close relationship with the speaker. Pramaggiore ...