ComEd Four Move for Acquittals After Five Weeks of Testimony

Four people accused of bribing former Illinois house speaker Michael Madigan on behalf of Commonwealth Edison have asked the court to enter judgments of acquittal, saying the government has failed to present enough evidence to support the criminal charges.

The defendants—former ComEd executive Anne Pramaggiore and lobbyists Michael McClain, John Hooker, and Jay Doherty—say that after about five weeks of testimony, the government has failed to prove that the alleged bribes were meant to influence or reward Madigan, or that they acted with corrupt intent. The Tuesday motions also say there is insufficient evidence of any related conspiracy.

Madigan served ...