By Dave Dahl
SPRINGFIELD – A day after State Rep. Luis Arroyo (D-Chicago) faced bribery charges, State Sen. Terry Link (D-Vernon Hills) – the lawmaker who reportedly wore a wire against Arroyo – was not interested in answering to reporters.
“You’re the only ones that are bothering me. The public’s not bothering me,” Link said as reporters tried to keep up with him in a Capitol corridor Tuesday. “I’m getting e-mails from all of my constituents (who are) very happy with me, (saying) ‘Stick in there,’ ‘Fight, do whatever.’ They’re not mad at me. I don’t represent you. I represent them.”
Both Chicago newspapers finger Link as the “cooperating witness.” He would not answer Tuesday whether the reports are incorrect.
Down the hall, Senate President John Cullerton agreed with House Speaker Mike Madigan (D-Chicago) that work’s needed on ethics.
“We are definitely going to deal with responses to the other incidences of ethics violations that are alleged,” Cullerton said, referring not only to Arroyo but also to the indicted Sen. Tom Cullerton (D-Villa Park) and the unindicted and uncharged Sen. Martin Sandoval (D-Chicago). Cullerton – a distant cousin of the president – is accused of shaking down a union as a ghost payroller. Federal agents raided Sandoval’s Chicago home and Springfield office a few weeks ago. The evidence suggests he’s suspected of using his position as chairman of the Senate Transportation Committee to seek kickbacks.
Meanwhile, Madigan’s begun the process to expel Arroyo from the House, naming an investigative committee which will begin meeting Friday.
Dave Dahl can be reached at [email protected]
