Former Illinois House Speaker Michael J. Madigan joined generations of indicted Chicago politicians before him Wednesday when he pleaded not guilty to federal criminal charges, kicking off what could be a yearslong court battle.
But perhaps most notable about Madigan’s arraignment is what didn’t happen. There was no walk of shame. No swarm of media. No awkward moment of silence in the courtroom while Madigan, lawyers and reporters waited for the judge to take the bench.
