Former Illinois House Speaker Michael J. Madigan has about two months left until he’s due in prison, but he’s fought to stay free while he appeals his historic corruption conviction.

It’s not going well, and 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.”

In fact, U.S. District Judge John Blakey wound up denying Madigan’s initial request for freedom later Friday. The longtime politician is not out of options, though.

Madigan faces 7 ½ years in prison after being convicted in February of brib

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