SE Illinois News

A downstate lawmaker is hoping his ongoing defiance comes to be seen as a shining example of what’s needed to turn government around in Springfield.

“Hopefully, my time there has shown people that changing all the corruption starts with each of us taking a stance,” state Rep. Darren Bailey (R-Xenia) told the SE Illinois News. “Voters have got to take a stance against all the things that we know need to change.”

Bailey points to a new WBEZ report that finds over his first 18 months in power, Gov. J.B. Pritzker has made at least 35 hires from a so-called “clout list” compiled by longtime House Speaker Mike Madigan.

“Not a week goes by where we don’t see more proof of corruption in Springfield,” Bailey added. “We need new people, fresh ideas and ultimately the people of Illinois are going to have to step up to say enough is enough.”

Bailey said it comes as no surprise to him that Pritzker has fallen right in line with all of Madigan’s machinations and policies.

“Madigan’s a master chess player when it comes to holding on to power for himself,” he said. “The Democratic Party has always been one of oppression and they’re willing to go to any level to get the things they think serve their purposes."

Bailey argues Pritzker’s tax, tax and tax some more policies stand as proof of that

“I am amazed and appalled at his pride and arrogance in refusing to acknowledge how much this state needs help from COVID-19, especially when you think about all the policies he’s put in place since it emerged that have cause more damage,” he said. “I think it will cost him because it’s really taken a  toll on a lot of people.”

 Again, Bailey said that all comes down to more people being willing to take a stance against a corrupt system.

“We have to do more of what we think is right and be bold in doing so,” he said. “If we really want something different it starts with us.”