SE Illinois News

Darren Bailey insists the verdict is already in on all legislators and candidates known to take massive campaign contributions from powerful House Speaker Mike Madigan (D-Chicago).

“It means they’re already bought and paid for, that’s the only thing money like that does,” Bailey told the SE Illinois News. “Both the House and Senate are now full of candidates of Madigan’s choosing. You equate that with the problems this state has and it’s easy to place the blame where it should be, right at the feet of Mike Madigan.”

A recent Illinois Policy Institute report details how Madigan has contributed approximately $15 million to the campaigns of roughly 60 legislators since they arrived in Springfield. All of the legislators involved have voted for Madigan maintaining his post as House Speaker.

Cynthia Given

“Mike Madigan’s agenda is largely what is fueling this state’s demise,” said Bailey, who is running against Democrat Cynthia Given in the 109th District. “You see candidates and legislators bowing down and crowing to him the same way they do with the unions.”

Besides being the longest-serving House speaker in history, Madigan also serves as chairman of various campaign committees, giving him access to even more cash and resources, according to IPI.

In hopes of bringing about a change, Bailey has signed his name to the “People’s Pledge,” a vow to never aid Madigan in his effort to hold onto his speakership.

“I think anyone who cares about the preservation of this state should be signing on to that pledge,” Bailey said. “The situation is really that dire.”

Bailey believes there is simply too much money allowed into the world of politics, he said.  

“At some point, I would love to see spending controlled,” Bailey said. “You look at all the poverty around the country and the amounts of money spent on these races and it’s really disheartening.”

The 109th House District includes Clay, Edwards, Effingham, Jasper, Lawrence, Richland, Wabash, Wayne and White counties.