Former Illinois House Speaker Michael J. Madigan, who held a virtual lock on Statehouse power for most of the past four decades, pleaded not guilty Wednesday to multiple counts of racketeering and bribery in what prosecutors say was a long-running enterprise to amass riches and clout.
Madigan was present by telephone with his attorneys before U.S. District Judge John Robert Blakey in Chicago. He did not speak as his attorney Gil Soffer entered the plea.
