Chambana Sun

Republican state Rep. Dan Caulkins (R-Dectaur) fumes there’s little wonder why so many Illinois residents are suffering as never before.

“A big part of the problem is that so many of these Democratic politicians now in power in Springfield are not there to serve the needs of the people,” Caulkins told the Chambana Sun. “Their first priority seems to be to serve Speaker Mike Madigan and the Democratic machine.”

Caulkins has long argued that nothing happens in the state without Madigan’s approval and a new WBEZ report that finds that during his first 18 months in power Gov. J.B. Pritzker has made at least 35 hires from the speaker’s so-called “clout list” lends credence to his contention.

“We all know that Madigan has controlled state government with his people in place for decades,” Caulkins added. “He’s been very successful in placing his people in places that matter. That makes it very difficult to enact any of the reforms we have in mind. It just seems more of the typical corruption we face in Illinois, just a continuing cycle of insiders being appointed to run our government.”

Caulkins argues this cronyism has left the state in a familiar, yet uncharted position.

“Springfield has long been dysfunctional, but this government is probably the most inept we’ve ever had,” he said.

In the end, Caulkins said he feels residents are going to have to be the change so many of them insist they want to see for the state.

“I think the voters of Illinois are going to have to come to the conclusion that the people they’ve been voting for don’t look out for their best interest,” he said. “We’ve seen over the years that as long as Madigan is in power, nothing will change and his people will continue to be in places of influence.”