Madigan’s Hell: Getting Convicted as Blago Is Pardoned—Smoke-Filled Room—Episode 91

Trust us, it’s not actually 2009, even though we kick off this week’s Smoke-Filled Room discussing Mike Madigan and Rod Blagojevich.

Joining Collin Corbett to break down the craziness of Illinois politics are former State Representatives Tom Demmer and John Anthony (though John had some internet issues and unfortunately was only with us for a short while), former McHenry County State’s Attorney Patrick Kenneally, and Cor’s political experts Michael Butler and Chris Jackowiak.

Illinois’ corruption was center stage this week with Mike Madigan being found guilty and Rod Blagojevich receiving a full pardon from President Trump. Republicans rightfully pounced, though it remains to be seen if corruption will be an issue that plays for us in November of 2026.

Where Republicans can make gains is by highlighting how the Democrats’ handling of the state’s $3.2 billion deficit will increase the cost-of-living for residents. They’re going to have to make up for their overspending, which typically means you should hide your wallet. 

Then we highlight how Democrats’ short-sighted actions could end up costing them. Lion Electric filed for bankruptcy, proving government picking winners and losers is not an effective strategy in a horrible business climate that is chasing businesses out of Illinois. And Democrat-run DuPage County pushed extreme partisanship to the max by removing Henry Hyde’s name from the county courthouse—a move that could end up backfiring.

Then, in our News You Can Use section, Collin covers some of the more outlandish legislation coming out of Springfield, such as bills that would allow 97 more counties to impose additional gas taxes, further restrict law enforcement from working to deport criminal illegal immigrants, and provide free abortions for non-citizens.

We close this week’s episode with another full slate of OGs & Clowns. This week it was mostly clowns, including thieves who stole the catalytic converters from high school busses in a suburban school district, keeping kids from being able to get to school…those are the types of clowns we have this week.

00:00: Introductions
02:36: Mike Madigan Found Guilty of Corruption
23:03: Trump Grants Rod Blagojevich Full Pardon
38:45: How Will Springfield Address the $3.2 Billion Budget Deficit?
54:29: Lion Electric Proves Government Is Bad at Picking Winners and Losers
01:01:31: Democrat-Run DuPage County Board Cancels Henry Hyde
01:09:33: 97 More Counties Can Impose Additional Gas Taxes if Chicago Democrat Has His Way
01:12:17: Elgin Democrat Wants Free Abortions for Non-Citizens
01:13:33: Chicago Democrat Proposes Bill to Make It Even Harder to Deport Criminal Illegal Immigrants
01:15:47: Glenview Democrat Introduces Bill to Ban Crime-Free Housing 
01:16:57: Grayslake Democrat Wants to Police Political Speech and "Misinformation"
01:19:15: Car Rental Prices Will Skyrocket Under Northbrook Democrat’s Bill
01:21:14: Be Ready for Chaos in Scheduling Doctor Appointments if Joliet Democrat's Bill Passes
01:23:15: Chicagoland Cost-of-Living Increasing Fastest in the Country
01:24:38: OG & Clown of the Week
01:33:45: Closing Thoughts