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 on WBEZ Friday 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.
