Katy Dolan Baumer | Courtesy of Vimeo
Katy Dolan Baumer | Courtesy of Vimeo
Republican candidate Katy Dolan Baumer is discouraged but not surprised that more than 60 sitting state representatives in Illinois have received nearly $15 million from House Speaker Michael Madigan (D-Chicago).
"When I was approached by Mr. Madigan’s men 12 years ago to convince me to change my allegiances, my beliefs and my values, and to run with Mr. Madigan, I countered with the fact that I could not morally do that,” Baumer told North Cook News.
Baumer was told by Madigan's employees, who explained that she would be expected to do a handful of favors to repay the House Speaker for his donations to her campaign, she said.
Rep. Fred Crespo (D-Hoffman Estates)
| Courtesy of http://ilhousedems.com/project/rep-fred-crespo/
The Illinois Policy Institute (IPI) recently reported that for Madigan’s financial contributions to other lawmakers has netted key votes from those legislators on different issues.
"I declined the offer, outraged that it was so blatant,” Baumer said. “Three months later, they found their man — a local official with little experience who jumped at the chance to change allegiances and do those few favors for Mr. Madigan.”
Baumer's opponent for the 44th District House seat in November’s general election, Rep. Fred Crespo (D-Hoffman Estates), has received $895,336 from Madigan, according to IPI.
"Mr. Madigan is still pulling the strings on my opponent," Dolan Baumer said. "Who is the real constituency of my opponent if he does the few favors every election? It would follow that he is responsible to one and only one: Madigan."
Although she is disheartened by the reports, it is just one more reason Baumer is committed to bringing lasting change to Springfield, she said.
"Every day, I am out there meeting residents, and I hear it over and over again: why can’t the Speaker be someone else?" Baumer said. "I believe that a change in leadership in the House would lead to a positive environment and dramatic shifts in the way things are done in Springfield and in our state."
The 44th District includes Bartlett, Hanover Park, Hoffman Estates, Schaumburg and Streamwood.
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