Darren Bailey of Xenia sees Rep. Jim Durkin’s (R-Western Springs) partnering with Democratic leadership in the House GOP leader's re-election effort as an indictment against the whole system.
“It proves once again the corruption that exists in Illinois politics,” Bailey told the SE Illinois News. “Gov. (Bruce) Rauner admitted that he was not in control and Rep. Durkin is now offering a peak at who he works for as well.”
Bailey, who recently launched his Republican campaign against Rep. David Reis (R-Willow Hill) in the 109th District, added he has noticed a growing pattern of Republiucans turning their backs on the principles that make the party what it is.
“It is unfortunate that men and women who claim to wear the mantle of conservative values would sell themselves out the way Rep. Dave Reis did on the July 4th budget vote when he gave full approval of a permanent 32 percent tax increase,” he said. “It is time for a change.”
As for all the growing rumors about Durkin now working hand and hand with House Speaker Mike Madigan (D-Chicago), Bailey said there’s no denying that the majority of Durkin’s leadership team aligned themselves behind the record-setting 32 percent tax hike passed as the recently enacted new state budget.
And then, there is the financial support Durkin is reported to have recently received from powerful Chicago Alderman Ed Burke. In recent times, Burke’s Burnham Committee has been known to also make contributions to such Democratic leaders as Chicago Mayor Rahm Emanuel, U.S. Rep. Robin Kelly (D-IL), Democrat Cook County Board of Review Member Michael Cabonargi, Democrat Cook County Commissioner and top Madigan aide Ed Moody and Cook County Board President Toni Preckwinkle.
“The political combine in Springfield has done nothing but protect insiders at great cost to everyone else,” Bailey said. “Here locally, David Reis has received over $70,000 in the past three years from education unions. That was one of his many reasons he sided with Mike Madigan and the Democrats and voted for the tax increase.”
As for the 109th District and his would-be constituents, Bailey said he is sick and tired of seeing the state mired in the muck.
“I am hearing that loud and clear everywhere I go,” he said. “Our debt and unpaid pension is more than double what it was when my opponent took office 13 years ago. Career politicians are ruining our state. We need to change direction. Re-electing career politicians is only going to give us more of the same.”
Bailey said his hope is that current Burr Ridge Mayor Mickey Straub will find a way to knock off Durkin in the March primary.
“I hope the voters of the 82nd District will realize the seriousness of this and elect Mickey Straub,” he said. “Elected officials who decide to play these games like my opponent have proven that they have lost touch with their districts and, just like Mike Madigan, they should be fired.”
The 109th House District includes parts or all of Jasper, Effingham, Clay, Richland, Lawrence, Wabash, Wayne, Edwards and White counties.
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