Michael Tercha, Chicago TribuneSupporters board a bus at Lincoln Land Community College for a short ride to the 32nd annual Democratic Evening on the Lake fundraiser May 8, 2012, at Island Bay Yacht Club in Springfield.
E. Jason Wambsgans / Chicago TribuneSpeaker Michael Madigan stands over lawmakers on the House floor before Gov. J.B. Pritzker delivers his first budget address Feb. 20, 2019, at the Illinois State Capitol in Springfield.
Brian Cassella / Chicago TribuneFormer House Speaker Michael Madigan talks to reporters after a meeting where his replacement, Angie Guerrero-Cuellar, was chosen Feb. 25, 2021, at the Balzekas Museum in West Lawn.
Michael Tercha, Chicago TribuneHouse Speaker Michael Madigan talks with state Rep. Elaine Nekritz as they prepare to present a state pension reform plan to the Personnel and Pensions Committee on May 29, 2012.
William DeShazer, Chicago TribuneHouse Speaker Michael Madigan, center, listens after speaking to the Personnel and Pensions Committee meeting May 26, 2011.
Zbigniew Bzdak / Chicago TribuneSpeaker Michael Madigan arrives for the Illinois House Democratic caucus during a spring session of the General Assembly at the Illinois Capitol in Springfield in 2019.
Charles Osgood, Chicago TribuneHouse Speaker Michael Madigan convenes the House on June 26, 2004.
Abel Uribe, Chicago TribuneHouse Speaker Michael Madigan listens to the debate about Resolution 1650, which he co-sponsored, as the process of impeaching Gov. Rod Blagojevich begins Dec. 15, 2008.
Zbigniew Bzdak / Chicago TribuneHouse Speaker Michael Madigan watches as the Illinois House votes on a bill raising statewide minimum wage during a session at the State Capitol in Springfield on Feb. 14, 2019.
Nancy Stone, Chicago TribuneHouse Speaker Michael Madigan, from left, Gov. Pat Quinn and Senate leader John Cullerton sit next to one another Aug 19, 2009, at Governor's Day at the Illinois State Fair.
Chuck Berman / Chicago TribuneGov. James Thompson, right, and House Speaker Michael Madigan in Madigan's office to work out school reform on July 1, 1988, in Springfield.
Nancy Stone, Chicago TribuneHouse Speaker Michael Madigan waits for official notice from the Senate that they have voted to form a conference committee during a special session in Springfield on June 19, 2013.
John J. Kim / Chicago TribuneA broadcast news reporter knocks on the door at the home of former Illinois House Speaker Michael Madigan in the West Lawn neighborhood on March 2, 2022, in Chicago.
Stacey Wescott, Chicago TribuneHouse Speaker Michael Madigan, left, celebrates with state Rep. Jay Hoffman on July 24, 2004, after both houses of the legislature passed the 2005 budget after going 51 days into special session.
Jose M. Osorio / Chicago TribuneIllinois House Speaker Michael Madigan after a meeting with Gov.-elect Bruce Rauner and Senate President John Cullerton in Chicago on Nov. 13, 2014.
Abel Uribe, Chicago TribuneHouse Speaker Michael Madigan, left, and Senate President John Cullerton confer March 18, 2009, as Gov. Pat Quinn delivers his proposal for the 2010 state budget in the House.
Seth Perlman / APIllinois House Speaker Michael Madigan speaks to lawmakers while on the House floor at the state Capitol on May 26, 2016.
Carl Wagner, Chicago TribuneHouse Speaker Michael Madigan, right, talks with Earl Oliver, president and executive secretary-treasurer of the Chicago Regional Council of Carpenters, in Oliver's office on Oct. 16, 1998.
Michael Tercha, Chicago TribuneHouse Speaker Michael Madigan greets AFSCME's Henry Bayer along with other opposition members before he presents a state pension reform plan to the Personnel and Pensions Committee on May 29, 2012.
John Lee, Chicago TribuneNewly elected House GOP Leader Tom Cross, left, and House Speaker Michael Madigan chat Nov. 21, 2002, before the start of session at the Capitol in Springfield.
Jose M. Osorio / Chicago TribuneFormer Illinois Speaker of the House Michael Madigan arrives to his office in Chicago on Oct. 18, 2021.
Phil Greer, Chicago TribuneMayor Richard M. Daley, at podium, and House Speaker Mike Madigan, right, on Sept. 26, 2000, call for a bill in the fall session of the Illinois House and Senate to make gun shop owners licensed.
Alex Garcia, Chicago TribuneGov. Pat Quinn, from left, House Speaker Mike Madigan and Illinois Attorney General Lisa Madigan attend a signing ceremony for legislation to bring greater transparency to Illinois government on Aug. 16, 2009.
Chuck Berman, Chicago TribuneHouse Speaker Michael Madigan answers questions at a press availability Jan. 24, 2012, after he addressed the fifth annual Elmhurst College Governmental Forum.
Michael Tercha, Chicago TribuneHouse Speaker Michael Madigan shares the stage with Gov. Rod Blagojevich and state Sen. Debbie Halvorson, D-Chicago Heights, on Aug. 15, 2007, at the Democratic rally at the Illinois State Fairgrounds for Governor's Day in Springfield.
E. Jason Wambsgans / Chicago TribuneSpeaker of the House Michael Madigan on his 70th birthday on the House floor at the Illinois State Capitol in Springfield on April 19, 2012.
Charles Osgood, Chicago TribuneGov. Rod Blagojevich, from left, Chicago Mayor Richard M. Daley and House Speaker Michael Madigan enjoy Democratic Day on Aug. 16, 2006, at the Illinois State Fair in Springfield
Brian Cassella / Chicago TribuneHouse Speaker Michael Madigan speaks Aug. 17, 2017, at the annual Democratic Chairman's Brunch in Springfield.
William DeShazer, Chicago TribuneSpeaker Michael Madigan oversees House proceedings Jan. 6, 2011, at the state Capitol.
Jose M. Osorio, Chicago TribuneHouse Speaker Michael Madigan, left, introduces newly elected Gov. Rod Blagojevich in the House gallery in Springfield on Dec. 4, 2002.
Michael Tercha, Chicago TribuneHouse Speaker Michael Madigan, D-Chicago, left, greets supporters as they arrive for the 32nd Annual Democratic Evening on the Lake fundraiser May 8, 2012, at Island Bay Yacht Club in Springfield
Zbigniew Bzdak, Chicago TribuneHouse Speaker Michael Madigan introduces the pension reform bill Dec. 3, 2013.
Abel Uribe, Chicago TribuneRod Blagojevich, center, shakes hands with Michael Madigan after his speech at the Illinois State Fair on Aug. 15, 2002.
Charles Osgood, Chicago TribuneHouse Speaker Michael Madigan, right, tries to get the attention of the acting speaker June 24, 2004, with the help of his spokesman, Steve Brown, left.
Antonio Perez / Chicago TribuneHouse Speaker Michael Madigan, left, speaks with House Majority Leader Rep. Greg Harris before Gov. J.B. Pritzker's budget address in Springfield on Feb. 19, 2020.
Zbigniew Bzdak / Chicago TribuneMichael Madigan speaking to the media on June 30, 2015.
Chris Walker, Chicago TribuneHouse Speaker Michael Madigan leaves his Capitol office Feb. 28, 2013.
Antonio Perez / Chicago TribuneIllinois House Speaker Michael Madigan and his wife, Illinois Arts Council Agency Chairwoman Shirley Madigan, kiss after she testified in support of the Obama presidential library being located in Chicago on April 17, 2014.
Brian Cassella / Chicago TribuneFormer Illinois Speaker Michael Madigan departs from his lawyers' office, March 9, 2022, after making his first virtual court appearance for his indictment.
Abel Uribe, Chicago TribuneGov. Pat Quinn, from left, House Speaker Michael Madigan, Ald. Ed Burke, and state Sen. Martin Sandoval attend a groundbreaking for a new UNO high school July 12, 2012, in Chicago.
Michael Tercha, Chicago TribuneHouse Speaker Michael Madigan, center, along with his research and appropriations director, John Lowder, left, and state Rep. Elaine Nekritz, D-Northbrook, presents a state pension reform plan to the Personnel and Pensions Committee on May 29, 2012.
E. Jason Wambsgans / Chicago TribuneHouse Speaker Michael Madigan congratulates Gov. J.B. Pritzker after Pritzker's first budget address at the Illinois State Capitol in 2019.
Chicago TribuneGov. James Thompson, from left, poses with House Speaker Michael Madigan and Mayor Harold Wahington on Oct. 19, 1983, before their meeting on the Regional Transportation Authority. They are trying to reach a deal on reorganization of the agency in exchange for a $75 million state subsidy.
Zbigniew Bzdak, Chicago TribuneHouse Speaker Michael Madigan talks to Rep. Carol Sente on Dec. 3, 2013, after a vote on a bill to overhaul the state government worker pension system.
Heather Stone, Chicago TribuneHouse Speaker Michael Madigan and his wife, Shirley, join supporters as their daughter Lisa Madigan kicks off her campaign for state attorney general Dec. 2, 2001.
Zbigniew Bzdak / Chicago TribuneHouse Speaker Michael Madigan talks with House Republican Leader Jim Durkin before a debate at Illinois House to vote on a bill raising statewide minimum wage during a session at the State Capitol in Springfield on Feb. 14, 2019.
Antonio Perez, Chicago TribuneMichael Madigan and daughter Nicole tour the Science Academy of Chicago during its grand opening event March 8, 2013, in Mount Prospect.
Alton Kaste, Chicago TribuneCommitteeman Michael Madigan, 13th Ward, speaks before the park board July 28, 1970.
Zbigniew Bzdak / Chicago TribuneSenate President John Cullerton and House Speaker Michael Madigan talk to the media after meeting with Gov. Bruce Rauner on the last day of the Illinois General Assembly at the State Capitol in Springfield on May 31, 2016.
E. Jason Wambsgans / Chicago TribuneSpeaker Michael Madigan works the floor as the Illinois House convenes at the Bank of Springfield Center on Jan. 8, 2021.
Michael Tercha, Chicago TribuneIllinois Comptroller Judy Baar Topinka, center, talks with House Speaker Michael Madigan and his wife, Shirley, during the inaugural ceremony for constitutional officers on Jan. 10, 2011.
Antonio Perez / Chicago TribuneMichael Madigan arrives to his West Lawn home on March 2, 2022 before it was announced he was indicted on federal racketeering charges.
Seth Perlman / APHouse Speaker Michael Madigan and Senate President John Cullerton on the floor of the General Assembly in Springfield on June 16, 2015.
Michael Tercha, Chicago TribuneHouse Speaker Michael Madigan, left, greets Gov. Rod Blagojevich on Aug. 18, 2004, during the Governor's Day Rally at the Illinois State Fairgrounds.
Nancy Stone, Chicago TribuneChicago Mayor Rahm Emanuel, from left, Secretary of State Jesse White, Gov. Pat Quinn and House Speaker Michael Madigan are represented in the roll call vote for Barack Obama at the Democratic National Convention on Sept. 5, 2012, in Charlotte, N.C.
Terrence Antonio James, Chicago TribuneGov. Pat Quinn, left, and House Speaker Michael Madigan testify on campaign finance reform May 29, 2009, in front of a House committee at the Capitol in Springfield.
Chris Walker, Chicago TribuneAs Illinois legislators continued work on a state budget, House Speaker Michael Madigan took time to attend an AFL-CIO labor rally April 24, 2002, at the Capitol.
Zbigniew Bzdak, Chicago TribuneHouse Speaker Michael Madigan listens Dec. 3, 2013, after introducing a bill to overhaul the state government worker pension system.
Michael Tercha, Chicago TribuneHouse Speaker Michael Madigan, left, and Senate President John Cullerton confer before Gov. Pat Quinn delivers his budget address to a combined session of the Illinois Legislature on Feb. 16, 2011.
Zbigniew Bzdak / Chicago TribuneHouse Speaker Michael Madigan during the General Assembly fall session on Dec. 3, 2014.
John Lee, Chicago TribuneHouse Speaker Michael Madigan confers with Sen. Emil Jones in the hallway outside a Senate Executive Committee meeting May 28, 2002.
Charles Osgood, Chicago TribuneSpeaker Michael Madigan listens to the debate in the Illinois House on Jan. 17, 2008, as it takes up the transportation bill with the governor's free rides for seniors.
E. Jason Wambsgans / Chicago TribuneHouse Speaker Michael Madigan appears on the floor as the Illinois House convenes at the Bank of Springfield Center on Jan. 8, 2021. Lawmakers returned for a lame-duck session that marks the first time they convened in Springfield since a May special session.
Chris Walker, Chicago TribuneHouse Speaker Michael Madigan, right, talks with Chicago Mayor Rahm Emanuel in Gov. Pat Quinn's office July 26, 2011, at the James R. Thompson Center.
Brian Cassella / Chicago TribuneFormer Illinois House Speaker Michael Madigan talks during a meeting where his replacement, Angie Guerrero-Cuellar, was chosen Feb. 25, 2021, at the Balzekas Museum in West Lawn.
José Moré, Chicago TribuneHouse Speaker Michael Madigan heads a committee hearing in January 2007 regarding a rate hike requested by ComEd.
Chicago TribuneCommitteeman Michael Madigan, circa 1970.
Heather Stone, Chicago TribuneHouse Speaker Michael Madigan talks about the budget after meeting with the governor May 24, 2001, at the state Capitol in Springfield.
Michael Tercha, Chicago TribuneSenate President John Cullerton, left, and House Speaker Michael Madigan tell a reporter there is no bad blood between them after a meeting with Gov. Pat Quinn on June 10, 2013, to discuss pension reform legislation.
Charles Osgood, Chicago TribuneGov. Rod Blagojevich greets House Speaker Michael Madigan and Senate President Emil Jones on Feb. 16, 2005, before his speech delivering his budget to a joint session in the House chambers.
Zbigniew Bzdak / Chicago TribuneHouse Speaker Michael Madigan listens to a debate on the House floor in 2019.
Stacey Wescott / Chicago TribuneHouse Speaker Michael Madigan in the State Capitol building in Springfield on Jan. 24, 2017.
Stacey Wescott / Chicago TribuneHouse Speaker Michael Madigan, right, chats with Senate President John Cullerton before Republican Gov. Bruce Rauner gives his State of the State speech at the Illinois State Capitol on Jan. 31, 2018 in Springfield.
E. Jason Wambsgans, Chicago TribuneMinority Leader Tom Cross, left, joined by Speaker Michael Madigan, presents pension reform legislation Dec. 15, 2011, before the House Personnel and Pensions Committee.
Nancy Stone, Chicago TribuneChicago Mayor Rahm Emanuel is applauded by House Speaker Michael Madigan Sept. 5, 2012, as he finishes speaking at the Illinois delegation breakfast in Charlotte, N.C.
Zbigniew Bzdak / Chicago TribuneHouse Speaker Michael Madigan holds a news conference at the Capitol in Springfield on June 30, 2015.
Chris Walker, Chicago TribuneGov. George Ryan, left, leading a delegation of business, cultural and humanitarian leaders along with senior state officials on a trip to Cuba, joins in lunch conversation on the plane Oct. 23, 1999, with House Speaker Michael Madigan.
José Moré, Chicago TribuneChicago Mayor Richard M. Daley, left, chats with House Speaker Michael Madigan as they look over the newly renovated House chambers May 16, 2007, in Springfield.
Antonio Perez/Chicago TribuneFormer Illinois House Speaker Michael Madigan walks on his second-floor patio at his Chicago home on March 3, 2022.
Abel Uribe, Chicago TribuneHouse Speaker Michael Madigan chats with Rep. Calvin Giles on March 24, 2004, during a hearing about the governor's plan to take over the Illinois State Board of Education.
Chicago TribuneHouse Speaker George Ryan, from left, Senate President Phillip Rock, Chicago Mayor Jane Byrne, Sen. James Pate Philip and House Minority Leader Michael Madigan on June 4, 1981.
Scott Strazzante, Chicago TribuneHouse Speaker Michael Madigan acknowledges applause from Sen. Debbie Halvorson, foreground, and the rest of the Senate on May 31, 2003, at the state Capitol.
E. Jason Wambsgans, Chicago TribuneSpeaker Michael Madigan on the House floor May 31, 2013.
Zbigniew Bzdak, Chicago TribuneHouse Speaker Michael Madigan walks through the state Capitol in Springfield on Dec. 3, 2013, to vote on a bill to overhaul the state government worker pension system.
Nancy Stone, Chicago TribuneHouse Speaker Michael Madigan stands on the podium May 31, 2009, while Rep. John Fritchey speaks in favor of the tax bill.
Michael Tercha, Chicago Tribune
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Supporters board a bus at Lincoln Land Community College for a short ride to the 32nd annual Democratic Evening on the Lake fundraiser May 8, 2012, at Island Bay Yacht Club in Springfield.
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Former Illinois House Speaker Michael Madigan, for decades the most powerful politician in the state, spoke rarely in public about his political operation.
A newly-public deposition video offers a lengthy and insightful look at the politician in action.
The lawsuit was tied to a federal voting rights case charging he loaded up a 2016 primary ballot with sham candidates to ensure his own victory. It was unrelated to the ComEd bribery scandal that ultimately ended his reign and forms the backbone of the federal indictment.
The video deposition obtained by the Chicago Tribune was conducted before federal prosecutors named Madigan “Public Official A” in the ComEd bribery scandal. He now is charged in a 22-count federal racketeering indictment alleging his elected office and political operation were a criminal enterprise that provided personal financial rewards for him and his associates.
Watch the full deposition here. Read a transcript of the video below. Mobile users: having trouble viewing the transcript? Click here.
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