SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (AP) — Gov. Bruce Rauner is calling on new Illinois Comptroller Susana Mendoza to fight a lawsuit filed by her fellow Democratic lawmakers seeking to collect paychecks they haven’t received since May.
Speaking in Chicago, the Republican governor says it’s clear the lawsuit was “orchestrated” with Democratic party leaders such as Rauner’s rival, House Speaker Michael Madigan.
Former Republican Comptroller Leslie Munger withheld legislator pay because of the state budget crisis. Mendoza defeated her in November and was sworn in Monday.
Mendoza says she will continue delaying pay unless ordered by a court.
Rauner says he hopes Mendoza will “fight as hard as Comptroller Munger has.”
He says she should hire outside legal counsel rather than be represented by Attorney General Lisa Madigan’s office. Lisa Madigan, a Democrat, is Michael Madigan’s daughter.