Chambana Sun

Dan Caulkins is not surprised by the deception he regularly sees coming from Democrats, like House Speaker Mike Madigan, at this point in the election cycle.

Republican candidates suspect Madigan is the mastermind behind “no budget, no pay” campaign mailers sent to voters in several districts of candidates he supports. The mailers imply Madigan supports the legislative pay policy despite having opposed it in the past.

“It’s like being the manager of a building with no sprinkler system that burns to the ground and then having the manager come around to talk about how he’s in favor of sprinkler systems,” Caulkins told the Chambana Sun. “Well, it’s too late now. The building is already destroyed, and you didn't believe in sprinklers when it could have made a difference.”

Illinois State House Speaker Mike Madigan

Madigan not only opposed “no budget, no pay,” he also filed a lawsuit against former Illinois Comptroller Lisa Munger to block its enactment, according to North Cook News.

Munger, along with a group of GOP legislators, recently held a press conference to call attention to what they deem as Madigan’s deceptions. She was joined by Reps. Peter Breen (R-Lombard), Mark Batinick (R-Plainfield), Margo McDermed (R-Frankfort) and Tom Morrison (R-Plainfield).

“His whole motivation for now taking this stance is based on the fact we have an election around the corner,” Caulkins said. “He doesn’t mean any of what he’s now saying. It’s all meant to gain him more votes.”

Caulkins is running against Democrat Jen McMillin for the 101st House District seat and supports “no budget, no pay," he said.

“It makes no sense that they would still be getting paid when no one else is,” Caulkins said. “As for me personally, I won't be taking a salary, benefits or pension. I’m going to Springfield for the sole purpose of helping Illinois be Illinois again.”

The 101st House District includes parts of Champaign, DeWitt, Macon, McLean and Piatt counties.