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.