Madigan Appeal Denied

Looks like he's going to serve the majority of his sentence:

• Chicago’s federal appeals court on Monday pointed to a hidden scheme to “exchange enormous political influence within the Illinois General Assembly for over $3 million of benefits” as it upheld the historic conviction of former Illinois House Speaker Michael J. Madigan.

  A three-judge panel summarily dismissed arguments from the once-powerful Democrat’s lawyers in a 29-page opinion less than three weeks after hearing oral arguments. The 7th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals ruling could soon lead to a bid by Madigan to the U.S. Supreme Court.

  “Michael Madigan spent nearly a decade leveraging his power as one of the highest-ranking public officials in Illinois in exchange for over $3 million of financial benefits for his close political allies,” Judge Michael Scudder wrote. “…Madigan insists that this was run-of-the-mill politics. But a jury of twelve Illinois residents saw the evidence differently. So do we.”

The lawyers may ask for a full 7th Circuit hearing before appealing to the US Supreme Court, but the avenues appear to be rapidly closing and Mikey may do quite a bit of the seven-and-one-half years in the meantime.

You can still write to Mike at the prison camp (it has no fencing):

• 446 Greenbag Road, Route 857 Morgantown, WV 26501

Here's a link to the "How To Send Stuff" page for money, packages and commissary donations.