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Illinois Casino Critics Not United

ILLINOIS – As reported by the Chicago Tribune: "The latest deal to put a casino in Rosemont has been loudly questioned by both Gov. Rod Blagojevich and Atty. Gen. Lisa Madigan, but they are hardly working in tandem when it comes to confronting the riverboat controversy.

"As with so many things in Illinois politics, the dispute over the Illinois Gaming Board's decision to award a new casino to the controversial northwest suburb has many layers. One involves a game of political one-upmanship between Democratic Party rivals Madigan and Blagojevich.

"When the governor, for example, decided last week to investigate whether Rosemont is a suitable locale for a casino, he hired a former Justice Department official at $535 an hour to head the probe rather than turn to Madigan, who under the Illinois Constitution is the chief legal officer for Blagojevich and the state.

"Madigan, the governor explained, was simply too busy to be burdened with yet another assignment. The attorney general has an office of 280 attorneys at her disposal.

"That the Rosemont controversy has led to an elbowing match between two of the state's top political figures is hardly surprising, given the long and tortuous history of a casino deal that itself is a study in political clout.

"…Since taking office last year, Madigan has persistently raised questions about Rosemont's involvement in any casino deal. Blagojevich's skepticism has been more recent…"

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