Illinois Democratic War: Illinois Democratic Party Chairman's Aide Calls Blagojevich "Sociopath"

The Chicago Tribune reports:

Gov. Rod Blagojevich is in a bind with the state budget and he's looking for someone to blame.

He estimates that the budget lawmakers have sent him is about $2.1 billion out of balance, so he's calling them back to work next week to find the funds to pay for the spending. If they don't, and there's no sign they will, the governor wants the public to know he's not the only one responsible for the resulting cuts.

"I still cling to the hope that they might act appropriately and responsibly and pass funding," Blagojevich said Wednesday. "I'm hopeful that the House won't force these cuts."

The governor once again singled out House Speaker Michael Madigan (D-Chicago), whom Blagojevich frequently points to as the source of all problems bedeviling state government.



The speaker, Blagojevich said, is creating a "house of pain" with plans for a post-election income tax increase.

Madigan allies have flatly denied the governor's assertion of a secret tax plan. On Wednesday, Madigan spokesman Steve Brown responded to the governor's call for a special session by suggesting reporters look up the definition of "sociopath."

For more on Rod Blagojevich and such topics as ghost payrolling and the Chicago Mob.