Illinois Democratic gubernatorial candidate J.B. Pritzker declined to criticize House Speaker Mike Madigan at an Aurora debate recently, according to the Illinois Republican Party.
In a press release, the GOP said Madigan did not directly respond to the question of whether Madigan, the state’s Democratic Party leader, should maintain his position as speaker.
“When it came time for Pritzker to answer the same question, he balked, refusing to say whether Speaker Madigan has been around too long or if it’s time for him to leave state government, surprising no one, as Pritzker is running for governor with Madigan’s blessing,” the release said.
The Chicago Tribune reported that at the forum, candidates Sen. Daniel Biss (D-Evanston) and Chris Kennedy accused Madigan of having too much power and said his tenure in the Legislature has been too lengthy.
Another candidate, Robert Daiber, Madison County regional superintendent of schools, said Madigan has not been given credit for his accomplishments and has kept the state together during adversity.
In a candidate debate on Oct. 8 in Chicago, Pritzker said that he is independent and beyond influence, the Sun-Times reported. He also raised concerns about the GOP using Madigan as a talking point.
