North Cook News

District 55 House Republican candidate Dan Gott is continuing his stance of getting rid of the business-as-usual tactics in Illinois politics, while comparing the legislature’s current spending practices to kids who have run amuck in a candy store with a credit card.

“When it comes down to spending, Illinois legislators act like a bunch of kids let loose in a candy store with an unlimited credit card,” Gott recently told North Cook News.

Gott has been critical of his opponent, Rep. Marty Moylan, as well as House Speaker Mike Madigan, for what Gott calls their “tax-and-spend policy” -- and he continues to call for dire reform in the state. Throughout his campaign, Gott has been drawing attention to Moylan’s voting record, which he says has perpetuated the state’s financial woes and prompted reckless spending.

“It’s like a man standing in a bucket being drowned in financial debt, while trying to pull himself up by the handle,” Gott said. “Moylan consistently votes 'yes' on spending bills that support borrowing money from the state general revenue fund, while saying 'no' to needed reforms. His consistent voting record shows strong support for Madigan’s reckless habit of borrow, tax and spend. More Democrats voted 'yes' on spending bills than Republicans who voted 'no,' due to lack of needed reforms."

Furthermore, Gott has concerns over the recent stopgap budget passed by the legislature, which provides funding for government-run operations until the end of the year. He is driving the point home to voters that the state’s financial crisis needs to take center stage for legislators.

“The recent stopgap budget ... is another bandage placed over a festering wound of financial mismanagement and wasteful spending,” Gott said. “Madigan’s tax-and-spend policy is a bridge to nowhere, driving Illinois into financial ruin.”

Gott also continues to make the case for families in Illinois who will have to face higher taxes if the state’s current financial policies continue down the same path.

“Current and future-generation Illinoisans will experience a low-quality lifestyle while paying high taxes,” he said.

Gott, who spent a large part of the Fourth of July holiday going door to door and speaking with voters, believes Illinois residents share the same frustrations with current state leadership. As a political outsider, Gott promises to bring change and to stop the corruption in the state government.

“My opponent is running as an establishment politician who has been elected the past two cycles,” Gott said. “I am a first-time candidate, not just another politician. I support core family values and principles. If elected, I will listen to what the voters want and support the needed reforms.”