Lisa Madigan seeks to intervene in Rauner's 'fair share' union suit

Illinois Attorney General Lisa Madigan's office wants to intervene in Gov. Bruce Rauner's lawsuit challenging the constitutionality of "fair share"union dues.

In a statement Monday, Madigan says it's her job to defend Illinois' laws and the lawsuit concerns the validity of the Illinois Public Labor Relations Act. As part of the motion, Madigan's office also asks to dismiss the case. Madigan say s Rauner doesn't have the legal authority to challenge the law in federal court.

Rauner wants a federal judge in Chicago, and ultimately the U.S. Supreme Court, to declare nonmember dues unconstitutional. He's also issued an executive order ending the requirement that nonmembers pay.

Rauner spokesman Lance Trover say s Madigan's motion was expected and won't impact Rauner's "efforts to protect" taxpay ers and state employ ees from pay ing "forced union dues."