Gov. Pritzker Says He Hasn’t Spoken To Speaker Madigan About Investigations
Illinois Governor J.B. Pritzker said Monday he has not spoken to House Speaker Michael Madigan about a series of federal inquiries. That’s despite reports that investigators appear to be targeting the speaker's inner circle.
Speaker Michael Madigan is seen on the floor of the Illinois House in this file photo from July 2017.
Pritzker has always taken a diplomatic approach to Madigan, even as the speaker faced scandals over aides accused of sexual harassment and, more recently, was named in federal inquiries.
Chicago public radio station WBEZ-FM has reported investigators sought information about Madigan in raids. And the Chicago Tribune says the feds are asking questions about the speaker’s political operation.
Asked whether he had spoken to Madigan about the investigations, Pritzker suggested a conversation is unnecessary.
“The speaker knows where I stand on all of these matters related to corruption,” Pritzker said. “I intend to be out front, as I have been, talking about and advocating for significant changes in our ethics laws.”
Madigan has not be charged with wrongdoing and has said he’s “not a target” of an investigation.
Brian Mackey covers state government and politics for NPR Illinois and other public radio stations across the state. Follow him @BrianMackey.
Links
- The Rise And Fall Of Gov. Blagojevich; Speaker Madigan Gives Deposition; Scientist Victor Bahl
- Pritzker Vows Lobbyist Ethics Changes As Early As Next Week’s Veto Session
- Pritzker Drops $5m On Tax Campaign, Expects Expensive Fight
- Watchdog Says Legislative Ethics Office Is ‘Broken,’ Calls For Stronger Conflict-Of-Interest Rules