Madigan is accused of leading a criminal enterprise designed to enhance his political power and enrich himself and his allies. Michael McClain, his longtime friend and ally, is also on trial and accused of acting as Madigan’s agent.

The former speaker is arguably one of the most notable former politicians to testify in their own defense since former Illinois Governor Rod Blagojevich.

Over the past 2½ months, the jury in former Illinois House Speaker Michael Madigan’s corruption trial has heard the longtime Democratic leader’s voice dozens of times on wiretapped phone calls and in secretly recorded video footage.