Peoria Standard

Michael McClain, a longtime lobbyist for Commonwealth Edison and a close confidant of former Illinois House Speaker Michael Madigan, was sentenced Thursday to two years in prison. The sentencing follows McClain’s conviction for his role in a scheme that provided no-work contracts and other benefits to Madigan associates in exchange for support of ComEd’s legislative goals.

During the hearing, U.S. District Judge Manish Shah addressed McClain directly, challenging his claims that the conduct in question amounted to standard lobbying or passing along job recommendations. “Aligning with Mr. Madigan made good strategic sense from your point of view, but that was a criminal alliance,” Shah said. “You preferred secrecy and lies. You preferred Mr. Madigan. You chose his way, and the consequences of that choice are yours to bear.”

McClain is the third defendant sentenced among the so-called “ComEd Four.” Earlier this week, Anne Pramaggiore, former CEO of ComEd, also received a two-year sentence from Judge Shah. John Hooker, previously ComEd’s top internal lobbyist, was sentenced last week to 18 months in prison. Jay Doherty, consultant and former head of the City Club of Chicago, awaits sentencing next month.

Prosecutors described McClain as a key figure who used his close relationship with Madigan to influence ComEd executives into providing financial benefits to individuals connected to the speaker.

Ryan Spain has served as state representative for Illinois’ 73rd House District since 2017 after succeeding David R. Leitch.

Further details on the case can be found at the Chicago Tribune.