Madigan in Tense Stand Off With Press After Foiled Attempt to Avoid Questions

CHICAGO (CBS) — What happens when the most powerful and secretive man in Springfield attempts to avoid a scrum of reporters and fails?

Speaker of the House Michael Madigan and his handlers tried to inconspicuously sneak him down a hallway and into a scheduled brunch for state democrats during Democrat Day at the Illinois State Fair.

Senate President John Cullerton served as Madigan's decoy, approaching the waiting reporters while Madigan slipped quietly out of a small room located conveniently in the opposite direction.

CBS 2 political producer Ed Marshall and cameraman Alan Maniscalco spotted Madigan and made their way over to him, with other media teams trailing closely behind. A tense and entertaining back-and-forth ensued between reporters and Madigan, providing a revealing look at the Speaker's tense approach to the press.

"Oh, you're here," said Madigan to one TV reporter, drawing uncomfortable chuckles from the group.

Madigan continues to face what he calls an "epic battle" with Governor Bruce Rauner to create a balanced budget for Illinois.