Madigan defends decision on election

From MSNBC's Adam Verdugo Illinois House Speaker Mike Madigan responded today to criticism that he's dragging his feet when it comes to bringing up legislation calling for a special election to replace embattled Gov. Rod Blagojevich , saying that Democrats have not ruled it out. "All we did yesterday was to defer the question of a special election," he said in an interview with MSNBC's Norah O'Donnell. The Republican Party in the state points to a poll it commissioned (conducted by McLaughlin & Associates), which indicates that just 14% believe Illinois' is on the right track; 79% say the state is on the wrong track. And that two-thirds support a special election. Republicans, who obviously want a special election to have a shot at winning the seat, claim that if Democrats in the state house don't take action soon, voters will hold them accountable. ...( read more ) (link)