* Gov. Pritzker participated in a public policy conference today hosted by Axios. One of the questions was about the corruption probe…

Let me be clear with you and everyone else. I’m angry, frankly, and I’m disgusted by these people who take advantage of the public, who take public office and think that this is OK. That stealing, that lying, that doing business that’s taking away from the public trough. The taxpayers and voters put elected officials in office to safeguard them, to safeguard your resources to make sure that we’re doing the right things so that you have an opportunity to succeed.

And so these people who are taking advantage as if this is all about them and not all about the people that they’re elected by… We are going to make changes in the state of Illinois. We are going to make changes in our ethics laws. We are going to root these people out.

And I’m glad, frankly, that people are being caught and sent away. It is time.

We really have to fix the system in the state. We have too many things to accomplish. You know we have challenges in the state of Illinois. I’m disgusted by all of what’s going on in this regard, and I also view it as they’re throwing obstacles in the way of us accomplishing pension consolidation and lowering taxes, property taxes and other things in the state. There is a corruption tax that sits on top of everyone in the state. We need to get rid of it.

* He was also asked if he thinks other lawmakers are wearing wires…

Could be. I mean, certainly it seems like some sprawling investigation here. I mean, I’m wearing the wire you gave me, but [laughter] everyone can hear that.

*** UPDATE *** ILGOP…

At an event organized by Axios, Governor Pritzker, commenting on the recent spate of federal investigations into Democrat politicians, had this to say: “I’m angry, frankly, and I’m disgusted by these people who take advantage of the public, who take public office and think that this is OK, that the stealing, the lying, that doing businesses that’s taking away from the public trough.”

The hypocrisy from the Governor is stunning and should be addressed.

Given that the Governor is disgusted by corruption and those under federal investigation in his own party, how does he feel about himself? He is currently under federal investigation for possible tax fraud.

The Governor recently said he doesn’t believe Madigan should step down as either Speaker or Chairman of the Democratic Party of Illinois despite the Speaker being named in FBI subpoenas and his close allies having their offices raided by federal investigators. If Pritzker finds the Madigan Machine’s public corruption “disgusting”, why would he not call on Madigan to step aside? Is the Governor trying to have his cake and eat it too?

“The Governor’s words ring hollow. He can’t pretend to clutch his pearls about those under federal investigation when he is currently the center of a federal probe himself. Pritzker should cut the act until he calls on the Mike Madigan, leader of the Illinois Democrat Crime Ring, to step down.” - Joe Hackler, ILGOP Spokesman