Did Tom Cross threaten Illinois Democrats in an effort to cover up an affair?

We aren't making allegations we are just asking questions.

Yesterday in the Illinois House of Representatives, Rep. Jack Franks, a Democrat from Woodstock, introduced HR80, a bill that asks the Sangamon County State's Attorney to look into claims by former Governor Rod Blagojevich that a state legislator sought to have his mistress hired by the state in an effort to cover-up an affair.

Upon hearing of Frank's bill, House Minority leader Tom Cross, a Republican from Oswego, responded angrily and claimed the bill was partisan payback against the GOP's questioning of the the Democrats handling of the Roland Burris controversy. Cross then threatened the Democrats by saying that the GOP will ask the State's Attorney to investigate anything Blagojevich says.

After witnessing Cross's enraged reaction Franks withdrew the bill and stated the obvious.

"Quite frankly I have no idea who the former Governor may have been refering to, but apparently you have much better idea that it's somebody on your side of the aisle," said Franks. "I had no clue, this is not a witchhunt, it was not filed in retaliation at all."

So we have questions. What about this proposed bill made Cross think that it was Democratic payback? Does he know who the former Governor was talking about? Why the unrestrained anger?

We have no idea and we are making no allegations, but the behavior of leader Cross caught our attention, raises a ton of questions and would indicate he is protecting someone.

These are questions that need to be answered. Hopefully local media will follow-up.

To hear the exchange click here.