Illinois Republicans "Get It"

Here is a compelling guest editorial from the Illinois Republican Chairman Andy McKenna that appeared in today's Chicago Tribune. The Illinois Republican Party understands that it let people down and has learned its lesson. The State is in worse shape now than it ever was under Republican leadership. The time for change is now. Join the new Republicans in making our state the best it can be.


TIME FOR CHANGE IN ILLINOIS

The people of Illinois have endured failed leadership at the very top of their government for nearly a decade. They trusted their leaders, and that trust has been violated time and again.

Last summer, the Republican Party went around the state to listen to voters. One idea we kept hearing: a recall amendment to keep political leaders honest. Out of those talks, some legislators started to seriously consider the idea.

As the Antoin "Tony" Rezko trial revealed more allegations of deep corruption in Gov. Rod Blagojevich's administration, we heard voters demanding the ability to recall public officials who violate the public trust. Unfortunately, not all legislators listened.

Senate Democrats protected Blagojevich by killing any chance of putting a recall amendment on the November ballot.




They chose Blagojevich over the people. And then to cap the day, Senate President Emil Jones, who led the fight against a recall amendment, declared he needed a pay raise.

This is the attitude voters seek to change in Springfield—an attitude of arrogance and entitlement, an attitude that ignores the wishes of the people, that protects a culture of corruption.

Six years ago, Illinois voters threw Republicans out of office in response to their failed leadership, arrogance and inability to listen to the wishes of the people. We were rightfully held accountable.

We listened. When the votes were tallied in the Senate, one group stood together in support of the recall amendment: Republicans.

Republicans believe it is time for ethics reform and a recall amendment. We believe it is time for tax and spending reform and greater transparency in government.

We believe it is time for change in Illinois.



—Andy McKenna
Chairman
Illinois Republican Party