Ex-Illinois Speaker Files Notice of Appeal in Corruption Case

Convicted ex-Illinois House speaker Michael Madigan (D) filed a formal notice of appeal in his corruption case Wednesday, putting his fate in the hands of the US Court of Appeals for the Seventh Circuit.

The 83-year-old former political powerhouse also has launched a bid to remain out of custody until the appeal has concluded, hoping to forestall a judge’s order that he surrender in October to begin a seven-and-a-half-year sentence.

While the notice of appeal is brief, the motion for release previews myriad arguments Madigan is likely to make before appellate judges.

Prosecutors didn’t concretely tie Madigan’s “alleged benefits” ...