Madigan, 83, who for years was widely hailed as the most powerful politician in the state, was convicted on bribery conspiracy and other corruption charges.

He knew better.” Prosecutors argued for a longer sentence because Madigan lied on the stand and because he’s a public official, factors Judge Jack Blakey took into account. “When his back was against the wall,

U.S. District Judge John Blakey handed down the sentence Friday, four months after the former Illinois House speaker was convicted of 10 felony corruption charges.