In Surprising Move, Former Longtime Illinois House Speaker Takes Stand At His Own Corruption Trial

Once the longest-serving legislative leader in U.S. history, Michael Madigan took the stand Tuesday at his own corruption trial, a shocking move for a man once considered the most powerful politician in Illinois.

The former Illinois House speaker's trial has lasted three months revealing meticulous details on the Chicago Democrat's many alleged schemes in both his public roles and private work as a tax attorney. That has included hours of secretly-recorded videos and calls from a former alderman turned FBI mole.

But on Tuesday, Madigan, who is famously private, doesn't have an email address or own a cellphone, took control of the narrative, telling deeply personal stories about growing up in a tough household and living what he described as a hardworking life of public service.

"When people asked me for help, if possible, I tried to help them," said Madigan, who wore a grey suit and looked directly at jurors as he spoke.

His defense attorney asked a series of questions, including whether he ever traded public office for private gain or accepted things of value in exchange for a promise to take official action. Each time Madigan answered, "No."