Cross calls Madigan impeachment memo 'a scheme to lie'

The top Republican in the Illinois House is questioning Speaker Michael Madigan's commitment to working out state budget issues and passing a public works program.

House Minority Leader Tom Cross is wondering about Madigan's priorities after a memo circulated by the Speaker got out that detailed reasons to launch impeachment hearings against Governor Rod Blagojevich.

Cross says he wonders whether Madigan is more serious about "creating a political document to play games."

Madigan sent surrogates to a Wednesday meeting with the governor and other top legislative leaders on the budget.

Senate President Emil Jones and State Representative Jay Hoffman -- both Blagojevich allies -- say Madigan is using the memo to distract from budget disagreements.