Raid of Mike Madigan’s Confidant, Long-Time Lobbyist Spells Trouble for House Speaker

Mike McClain, a close political confidant of Mike Madigan and long-time lobbyist, had his home raided by the FBI in mid-May. Mike McClain’s home was raided around the same time federal agents raided the homes of two other close Madigan confidants. 

McClain has held influence inside of Madigan’s circle for years as a lobbyist for large entities such as Comcast, Walgreens, and the Chicago Board Options Exchange. The two men first met when they both served in the Illinois House in the 1970s. 

Chicago Tribune: “McClain was long known as one of the few people Madigan would meet with for dinner after session nights. And when the House was in session, McClain could be seen hanging around the speaker’s office, sometimes sitting on a bench in the hallway talking to other lobbyists who sought to pick his brain.”

McClain’s long relationship with Madigan is his link to the ongoing corruption investigations progressing throughout Illinois Democratic politics. Powerful Chicago Alderman Edward Burke was charged by the Feds with corruption, stemming from a conversation where Burke used his official position to attempt to steer business to his private law firm. 

Ex-Alderman Danny Solis wore a wire as part of the investigation into Burke. The investigation threatens to loop Madigan into those who had private business linked with official work.

Chicago Tribune: “A 2016 FBI search warrant affidavit filed as part of the Solis investigation detailed an alleged effort by Solis to send legal work to Madigan from an undisclosed businessman seeking to develop a hotel in Chinatown. Madigan, who was secretly recorded pitching his property tax appeal services, has denied any wrongdoing and has not been charged.”