Former Illinois House Speaker Michael Madigan testified in his corruption trial Wednesday that he was taken aback when then-Ald. Daniel Solis told him over the phone that the developers of a West Loop condo tower understood “the quid pro quo” of hiring Madigan’s law firm.

Madigan, the longest-serving legislative leader in U.S. history, was charged with bribery, racketeering, wire fraud, and other crimes.

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

Attorneys for ex-House Speaker Michael Madigan unveiled a key point in their defense case Monday morning, saying they intend to show proof that Madigan’s offices had long-established protocols intended to prevent conflicts of interest between his government work and his private law practice.

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.

CHICAGO — Former Illinois House Speaker Michael Madigan will take the witness stand in his corruption trial — an unexpected revelation that will likely stretch the already lengthy trial into late January.

Madigan is accused of using his power and influence to arrange for no-show jobs for his allies, and business for his own law firm.

Former Illinois House Speaker Mike Madigan was back on the witness stand on Wednesday, for a second day of questioning in his federal corruption trial.