Chambana Sun

Illinois State Rep. Dan Caulkins’ (R-Decatur) primary reason for standing behind a proposal that would allow voters to recall their elected official seems simple.

“My position is that this wouldn’t be necessary if there were only honest politicians,” Caulkins told the Chambana Sun. “Since we know that not to be the case, I think it’s a good idea, one that definitely has merit.”

While the ability for voters to recall the governor has now been on the books for more than a decade, Caulkins argues much of what is now playing out in Springfield strongly points to the need for voters to have greater power.

Voters would be given more power and decision over who they want representing them with a recall procedure. | Stock Photo

Currently, longtime House Speaker Mike Madigan (D-Chicago) finds himself at the center of a still unfolding federal corruption investigation involving ComEd, and a pay-for-play scheme. These bridaries included perks that were allegedly steered to him in exchange for favorable legislation. At the same, whispers of dissent about Illinois Gov. J.B. Pritzker’s (D) handling of the COVID-19 crisis are becoming more audible by the day.

“We’ve gotten to the point where voters don’t know who they’re voting for,” Caulkins said. “Politicians will tell the voting public what they think they want to hear, but once in office are someone else completely. I think it will help by making politicians be more honest in their campaigning.”

Put forth by Rep. Mark Batinick (R-Plainfield) and Sen. Jason Barickman (R-Bloomington), the proposal would require voters from at least 25 counties across the state signing off on a recall petition. In addition, a bipartisan group of current state representatives and senators must also endorse the action.

Finally, to start the recall process against statewide lawmakers, the plan would require signatures from 12% of the voters who cast votes for governor in the prior election. The issue would require the vote of at least 60% of all voters in order for an official to be shown the door via the recall process.