* The messaging platform expands to movies…

Illinois Policy Action, an arm of the Illinois Policy Institute, is backing a new documentary called “Madigan: Power, privilege, politics,” which the group has dubbed “an unprecedented look at the life and influence of Illinois House Speaker Michael J. Madigan, one of the state’s most powerful political figures of all time.”

The 60-minute documentary is to be released in October — weeks before the November election — and will be available online and at “select movie theaters throughout the state,” a statement from Illinois Policy said.

The Illinois Policy Institute — and its CEO John Tillman — are closely aligned with Rauner, whose epic war with Madigan and Illinois Democrats held the state’s budget at an unprecedented impasse. […]

Those appearing in the documentary according to Illinois Policy: “Chicago Tribune columnist John Kass, University of Illinois professor and political observer Dick Simpson, former Illinois Senate President Emil Jones, law professor and former drafter of the 1970 Illinois Constitution Ann Lousin, former state Sen. Steve Rauschenberger, Rob Blagojevich who is the brother of former Gov. Rod Blagojevich, political blogger Rich Miller.”

The Emil Jones stuff ought to be good.

* This is the explanation I was given by the documentary’s producer…

Emergent Order, based out of Austin TX is trying to create a dialogue about why the state of Illinois is in poor shape. Many fingers have been pointed at Michael Madigan, but we’re trying to do a fair/balanced piece about what’s really at the center of it all. We’ve interviewed both people who support and dispute that Madigan is to blame. Interested in your take on that and any other relevant info you’d be willing to contribute.

Seemed harmless enough.

I had no idea that the Illinois Policy Institute was behind this thing, but I did get a couple of hints during Tuesday’s interview when some of the group’s stories were used as a basis for a few of their questions. They also asked me about Rauschenberger, which I thought was kinda odd.

So, I have no clue what they’re gonna do with my interview.

Sigh.

…Adding… I should’ve posted the trailer…

Yeah. Fair and balanced.