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LIVE updates from Michael Madigan trial: Judge rejects defense motion to exclude some evidence in trial of former Illinois president
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LIVE updates from Michael Madigan trial: Judge rejects defense motion to exclude some evidence in trial of former Illinois president

The jury heard several appeals between Mike McClain and Will Cousineau on Thursday.

Many of the calls between McClain and Cousineau concerned Kevin Quinn’s job search at Cornerstone (Cousineau’s company), after he was fired following allegations of sexual harassment.

Cousineau hesitated.

They discussed a plan to create a contract for Quinn, not just a piece of paper to protect them from the IRS.

There was also a conversation about finding work for Eddie Acevedo.

They also talked about protecting Madigan and ensuring he maintains his role as president.

McClain was heard on a call saying, “We can’t lose our friend (Madigan) and give Illinois to these guys (former Illinois Governor Bruce Rauner).”

Cousineau left the president’s office in 2018 and said there were various allegations of sexual harassment from Democratic officials and staffers at the time, which concerned Madigan.

Cousineau said meetings were held to determine how to handle the allegations.

In one call, Cousineau was heard telling McClain that they needed to hire a public relations firm to handle the allegations.

There was also a call about AT&T.

Cousineau lobbied for CenturyLink, a telecommunications company. At the time, they wanted to get the law changed. So he met McClain.

He asked if AT&T had a problem with the legislation.

In 2017, legislation was advanced by AT&T. It became law later in 2017.

McClain and Cousineau were also heard on a call explaining how Rep. Kelly Cassidy needed to be careful.

McClain told Cousineau: “Madigan is slowly burning her. She should be very careful. She could end up much further into the outer hemisphere if she doesn’t watch him.”