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WNIJ's summary of news items around our state.

Rauner Accuses Top Illinois Democrats Of State Government Shutdown Conspiracy

Governor Bruce Rauner says three of Illinois’ leading Democrats are conspiring to shut down state government.

Rauner made the accusation Wednesday in response to legal disagreements he’s had with Comptroller Susana Mendoza and Attorney General Lisa Madigan.

RAUNER: “Comptroller Mendoza takes her orders from Speaker Madigan, and they are working together to create a crisis and shut down the government.”

MENDOZA: “For the record: The only person who tells me what to do is my mother.”

Mendoza’s quip came at a Statehouse event marking International Women’s Day. Both Madigans also deny the accusation.

House Speaker Michael Madigan’s spokesman, Steve Brown, pulled no punches.

“It just really sounds like sort of delusional babble,” Brown said.

Brown says Rauner’s allegation has “no basis in fact."

Rauner has worked hard to avoid a government shutdown — even while also refusing to negotiate a balanced budget until Democrats first adopt his legislative agenda.

Brian Mackey formerly reported on state government and politics for NPR Illinois and a dozen other public radio stations across the state. Before that, he was A&E editor at The State Journal-Register and Statehouse bureau chief for the Chicago Daily Law Bulletin.
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