SPRINGFIELD, IL - Illinois Republican leaders are stepping up their criticism of Democratic House Speaker Michael Madigan in an effort to make him a top campaign issue this fall. The focus on Madigan comes as he and other state officials try to negotiate cuts to government pensions.

State Republican Chairman Pat Brady called Madigan a vindictive leprechaun. U.S. Rep. Joe Walsh says he's a corrupt tyrant.

The GOP also sent out a mock Father's Day letter from Attorney General Lisa Madigan. She is portrayed as a girl thanking her daddy for giving her "this cool attorney general job."

Brady says Republicans are simply calling attention to the speaker's tremendous influence over state policies.