During Debates, Illinois Lawmakers Playing Video Games
(CBS) -- Springfield, the capital of Illinois, is where all the state's work is supposed to get done.
Even with all the disagreements, one would expect lawmakers to at least by trying to reach a deal on a budget.
One would not expect them to be playing video games during key debates.
During a discussion on funding Illinois public universities, such as Chicago State, last month, CBS affiliate WCIA in Springfield, captured lawmakers doing exactly that.
In some cases, for at least 20 minutes.
When confronted, Rep. Mike Smiddy, who represents the 71st District in western Illinois, said, "Like I said, all I was there to do is to make sure to pass a higher ed funding bill. ... There was only two folks that didn't vote for it."
And then there is Rep. Katherine Cloonen, from Kankakee, playing Candy Crush.
At one point, she appeared to notice the camera overhead, and put the game away.
She told WCIA that she has been "focused on working to end the budget impasse."
However, she did not apologize.
"We always encourage members to be attentive," said Steve Brown, spokesman for House Speaker Mike Madigan.
