Prairie State Wire

Gov. J.B. Pritzker urged House Speaker Mike Madigan (D-Chicago) to answer questions Illinoisans have about the alleged bribery scandal with ComEd after a news conference on July 31.

"He continues to have unanswered questions hanging out there," Pritzker said. "He needs to stand up and answer those questions."

Pritzker said he's continued to say from the beginning that he believes those who serve the public interest and get elected to public office have a duty to be transparent and live up to the integrity that is demanded of them in their role.

"He needs to stand up and answer these questions because people have very serious questions about those things in any public servant that isn’t willing to do that. I’ve made that clear," Pritzker said.

Madigan issued a statement to media outlets stating that he has no intention to resign. 

“I understand that the last couple of weeks have been difficult for our caucus and party, and I have had many candid conversations with members of the Democratic caucus on this matter," Madigan said in the statement. "The feedback is positive and demonstrates continued support for me and my leadership roles. I have no plans to resign."

Madigan said in the statement that he has never made a legislative decision with improper motives and any claim otherwise is unfounded.

"I will continue to lead the effort to defeat [President] Donald Trump, expand the Illinois congressional delegation and the majorities in the Illinois House and Senate," he said in the statement.

Pritzker said he didn't think the issue would impact the vote for the graduated tax amendment in the fall.

"I think the values of Democrats and quality of candidates and public servants that we put forward for offices up and down the ticket that we demonstrate that these are a high-quality group of people with high values and a mission to lift up working families," Pritzker said. "That’s why people are going to show up and vote. I think that is why people will vote for a new tax system."