SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (AP) — 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.