Former Illinois House Speaker Michael J. Madigan has about two months left until he’s due in prison, but a judge could rule any day on whether to let him remain free while he appeals his historic corruption conviction.

The once-powerful Southwest Side Democrat shouldn’t get his hopes up, according to legal experts contacted by the Chicago Sun-Times. One said “the odds are stacked” against him. Another said, “it almost never happens.”

“It’s a difficult standard to meet,” defense attorney Michael Leonard said. “It’s really got to jump off the page to the court.” • Madigan heading into appeal with lawyers who convinced Supreme Court to narrow bribery law

Madigan faces 7 ½ years in prison after being convicted in February of bribery conspiracy, wire fraud and other crimes. U.S. District J

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