Former Commonwealth Edison (ComEd) CEO Anne Pramaggiore, who is scheduled to begin her two-year prison sentence in December 2023, is actively seeking a presidential pardon. Pramaggiore was convicted in a bribery scheme involving long-time Illinois House Speaker Michael Madigan. To facilitate her request, she has engaged the Washington, D.C.-based lobbying firm Crossroads Strategies.
In July 2023, Pramaggiore was sentenced to prison after being found guilty of conspiring to bribe Madigan to gain support for legislation favorable to ComEd. Her co-defendants, lobbyists Jay Doherty and John Hooker, are already serving their sentences, while a third associate, Michael McClain, is expected to report soon. Madigan himself was sentenced to seven and a half years in federal prison for his role in the scandal.
Lobbying for a Pardon
According to the watchdog group NotUs.org, Pramaggiore has spent approximately $80,000 in the last quarter alone for lobbying services aimed at obtaining a pardon from former President Donald Trump. The firm has been tasked with advising her on public policy and legislative matters that could influence the pardon process.
Her appeal for a pardon comes as she grapples with health issues, which contributed to the decision to delay her prison reporting date. Pramaggiore’s legal team maintains that she was unjustly convicted and is currently appealing her case to the Seventh Circuit Court of Appeals. Lobbyist Mark Herr from Crossroads Strategies stated, “Anne Pramaggiore was wrongly convicted and is exploring all options in her pursuit of justice, including the possibility of a pardon.”
Madigan’s Defense and Ongoing Legal Battles
As Pramaggiore seeks clemency, Madigan has retained high-profile attorneys to challenge his conviction. His legal team recently submitted a brief to the Chicago federal appeals court, arguing that the interactions between ComEd and Madigan were part of traditional political practices rather than criminal bribery. “To be sure, the evidence showed that ComEd and the alderman sought to curry favor with Madigan. Constituents do this every day,” the brief asserts.
The ongoing legal disputes reflect a broader conflict within Illinois politics, where allegations of corruption have led to significant investigations and convictions. While Pramaggiore’s case unfolds, tensions remain high among her co-defendants and the political landscape in Illinois continues to shift.
As the December reporting date approaches, the outcome of Pramaggiore’s appeal and her efforts to secure a pardon will likely influence public perception and the future of political lobbying in the state.
