A Republican lawmaker is challenging Gov. Bruce Rauner over a claim that the Democratic House speaker influenced the cancellation of a $12.5 million no-bid contract the administration signed.
Barrington Hills GOP Rep. David McSweeney says Republican Rauner must provide proof or apologize.
Independent chief procurement officer Ellen Daley nullified the Medicaid-related consulting contract with McKinsey & Co. Tuesday. She says it should have been let for bid.
The Chicago Tribune reported Thursday that Rauner blamed his nemesis. He said Chicago Speaker Michael Madigan has ``heavy influence'' over Daley. Rauner's office did not immediately respond with elaboration.
Madigan spokesman Steven Brown called it ``empty talk.'' Daley did not immediately respond.
McSweeney placed his order during a House Appropriations Committee hearing in Chicago to review the Rauner administration's $63 billion, four-year contract to expand managed care to Medicaid clients.
