Republican state House candidate Dan Caulkins wonders how much Illinois has to suffer before Democrats are willing to stand up to House Speaker Mike Madigan (D-Chicago) and stop the bleeding.

“It’s a total indictment of Springfield and the system that this state finds itself...,” Caulkins told the Chambana Sun. “You wonder how people we elect to represent us can do the kind of things we’re seeing. Our system is broken, yet Democrats continue to pledge allegiance to the system. Once they get to Springfield, they all seem to come under Madigan’s spell. ”

Caulkins said the results are proving to be devastating. For the third straight year, the U.S. Census Bureau reported that Chicago saw a drop in population, with 3,825 residents fleeing the city in 2017 for what they see as greener pastures.

The downward spiral has some wondering how long the state might be able to maintain its status as the country’s third largest city over Houston, which grew by 8,235 residents over the same period.

Now with 2.7 million residents, Chicago is the only one of the country’s five largest cities that saw a drop in population in 2017.

“Our state is suffering from bad management,” said Caulkins, who is running against Democrat Jennifer McMillin for the seat being vacated by Rep. Bill Mitchell (R-Forsyth) in the 101st District. “Our legislative leaders have really let us down. They have driven people out of the state because they can’t control spending and want to micromanage every business in the state.”

Indeed, the Illinois Policy Institute reports that the state’s job growth was just 42nd out of 50 states in 2017, and last among neighboring states.  

“I think if we could figure out how to get spending under control and quit spending more than we take in, we might be able to get back on the right track,” Caulkins said. “I think an honest effort at that might actually prompt more enthusiasm for people to stay. I look at this as a club you’re being asked to join, while also being told about the billion dollars they’re in debt. All you’re thinking is as soon as they get me in this club, they’re going to want me to be a part of paying off this massive debt. Right now, that’s how businesses see Illinois.”