The corruption noose may be getting tighter around Michael Madigan's neck

Illinois Speaker of the House Michael Madigan at the State Capitol earlier this month. (Michael Tercha/Tribune)

Former Metra CEO Alex Clifford contends his refusal to capitulate to House Speaker Michael Madigan's patronage demands angered some agency board members and ultimately led to his downfall, according to a memorandum obtained by the Tribune.

• Madigan accused of Metra patronage push

• Read Alex Clifford's memo to the Metra board

• Editorial: Metra and the Illinois pols

• Madigan pushed for pal's pay increase at Metra