Former Chief Counsel for Madigan Testifies as Closer for Ex-Speaker’s Defense Team

The former chief counsel for Michael Madigan testified about key legislation amid a political battle with ex-Gov. Bruce Rauner

Former Chief Counsel for Madigan Testifies as Closer for Ex-Speaker’s Defense Team
Former Chief Counsel for Madigan Testifies as Closer for Ex-Speaker’s Defense Team

Chicago: So, the former top lawyer for House Speaker Michael Madigan, Heather Wier Vaught, took the stand at his corruption trial. She talked about how some big legislation from ComEd and AT&T came about during a tough political fight with then-Gov. Bruce Rauner. It wasn’t easy; it took months of back-and-forth to get things done.

Wier Vaught, who worked with Madigan for over ten years, faced some tough questions about her loyalty to him. The investigation into Madigan’s office kicked off after some FBI raids in 2019, and she was asked about how they tried to protect their interests during that time.

Interestingly, she’s the last witness for Madigan’s defense team, which is wrapping up its case soon. Her long history with Madigan shows just how much he relied on her. She even helped with sensitive matters like the impeachment of former Gov. Rod Blagojevich.

During her testimony, she made it clear that she was dedicated to Madigan and the Democratic caucus. She emphasized that he worked closely with his team to negotiate bills and always sought their input. Wier Vaught also mentioned that they had a solid process to check for any conflicts of interest.

Madigan, who’s now 82, is facing serious charges, including running a criminal enterprise to boost his power and enrich himself. The indictment includes bribery claims involving ComEd and AT&T, plus accusations of pressuring developers to hire his law firm.

Wier Vaught also highlighted the tough political climate with Rauner, saying their relationship was non-existent. She described the time as a “political war,” especially during the two-year budget standoff that left state services in limbo.

She shared some behind-the-scenes details about the Future Energy Jobs Act, a key piece of legislation tied to the bribery allegations. When Rauner backed part of the bill, her reaction was pretty candid, even if she had to apologize for her language.

After leaving Madigan’s office, she briefly worked as a lobbyist for ComEd. She also discussed her role in negotiations for AT&T legislation, where she advised against a proposal that could have raised public safety concerns.

Wier Vaught’s testimony showed how involved she was in the legislative process, often standing right next to Madigan during sessions. She even had to clarify her actions after the FBI raids, confirming she met with a former staffer in a public place, which raised some eyebrows.

The trial is nearing its end, with Madigan’s defense team expected to finish up soon. Closing arguments are set to start in January, so it’s all coming to a head.

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