Democrats and Republicans, not known for seeing eye to eye, apparently can forget the aisle at political fundraisers.
Illinois House Speaker Michael Madigan (D-Chicago) recently proved that notion in Illinois. Madigan joined U.S. House Speaker John Boehner (R-Ohio) in Lemont two weeks ago at one of Boehner's two fundraisers, according to the Chicago Sun-Times.
Apparently, Madigan was invited to the event in the southwest suburban home of Chicago Mercantile Exchange Chairman Terry Duffy.
The move has many, both Republicans and Democrats, questioning motives on both sides.
Mike Birck, the Hinsdale Republican who hosted the other fundraiser Rep. Boehner was in town for, says he's "astounded." He said he doesn't know why Madigan was invited and why he decided to show up.
But a Madigan spokesman said it's pretty clear. Cooperation across the aisle is a political goal, the spokesman told the Sun-Times, and that's what Madigan was trying to do.
As you may have guessed, Madigan did not offer a political contribution to Boehner's campaign when he attended the fundraiser.
