Ex-House Speaker Michael Madigan is set to return to the stand Wednesday morning, continuing testimony that will surely be some of the most crucial and closely examined of the bombshell public corruption trial.

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

Madigan and his co-defendant – longtime confidant Michael McClain – are on trial on racketeering and bribery charges​.

In surprising move, former longtime Illinois House Speaker Michael Madigan has taken the stand at his own corruption trial.

Madigan's surprise decision to testify could push back the start of jury deliberations until the last week of January.

Former Illinois House Speaker Michael Madigan has taken the stand in his own public corruption trial, where he is accused of using his position to enrich himself and his friends, while his defense attorneys argue he was just a good public servant.

Ex-House Speaker Michael Madigan is set to return to the stand Wednesday morning, continuing testimony that will surely be some of the most crucial and closely examined of the bombshell public corruption trial.

During his testimony, Mike Madigan denied any involvement in a quid pro quo arrangement with former Alderman Danny Solis, who is a key government witness in the case.

Mike Madigan and Mike McClain have known each other since they both were state representatives in the 1970s, but their decades of friendship is now strained in the face of multiple corruption charges.