Rauner accuses Madigan, House Dems of trying to derail Senate talks

As senators continue behind-the-scenes talks to try to end the budget impasse, Gov. Bruce Rauner on Tuesday accused Illinois House Speaker Michael Madigan of creating a “distraction” that’s meant to “derail” bipartisan talks in the Illinois Senate.

Madigan spokesman Steve Brown in turn urged the Republican governor to look in the mirror to accept responsibility for the failure of the Senate “grand bargain” plan in March: “‘Hey Bruce, why did you screw that up?'”

It’s a clear sign the political war between Madigan and Rauner is in full effect with just 15 days left before the end of the legislative session, a gubernatorial primary next March, and no clear budget solution in sight.

Talks between senators and the governor’s budget director are continuing on bills relating to the budget and other reforms the governor is seeking. But those must still clear the Illinois House, where Democrats are now trying to pass their own pension reform bill with identical language to a Republican measure filed in late March.

Read more: http://chicago.suntimes.com/news/rauner-accuses-madigan-house-dems-of-trying-to-derail-senate-talks/