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.
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.
