Bruce Rauner says an undisclosed third party tried to help strike a budget deal between the Illinois governor and his main political rival - House Speaker Michael Madigan. Governor Rauner was asked this morning whether he’s tried a mediator with Democratic House Speaker Madigan. Rauner says he did bring in someone who...
"The Speaker fondly regards and regards as a leader and has a lot of respect for and has a lot of respect for and have them come and sit and listen to us and coach and give feedback. I’ve done this many, many times."
It obviously didn’t work, the state budget impasse is now at 20 months. Rauner’s office wouldn’t say who this person is or when the meeting happened. A spokesman for Speaker Madigan said he doesn’t know about it. Rauner and Madigan have not met in two months.