Ex-Illinois House Speaker Michael Madigan Pleads Not Guilty

Former Illinois House Speaker Michael Madigan is pleading not guilty to federal racketeering and bribery charges. The Chicago Democrat entered the not guilty plea during a telephone court hearing yesterday. Madigan was indicted last week over allegations he led a criminal enterprise designed to enhance his political power and financial well-being while also generating income for his political allies and associates. The longest-serving House speaker in U.S. history resigned from the state house last year.