Gov. Quinn Wants Probe of Voting by Absent Legislators

Gov. Pat Quinn wants to know who cast votes for about 18 Illinois House members who weren't on the floor when utility rate-hike legislation he opposed passed.

Quinn said Thursday legislation involving such high stakes shouldn't have anyone other than the House member casting a vote. He said the action should be investigated by the House, adding it was a `'violation of ethical conduct."

On Wednesday, lawmakers gave electric companies the authority to raise rates to produce money for modernizing the state power grid. House rules bar a member from voting on a question before the House unless on the floor before the vote is announced. However, it is not unusual for the rule to be ignored.

Madigan spokesman Steve Brown says Quinn is trying to explain a huge defeat.