In response to several recent lawmaker endorsements of J.B. Pritzker in his bid to become governor, the Illinois Republican Party is accusing House Speaker Michael Madigan (D-Chicago) and his supporters of pushing Pritzker for his ability to bankroll campaigns and help Democrats control redistricting.
“Not only have (Reps.) Katie Stuart (D-Edwardsville), Jay Hoffman (D-Swansea) and LaToya Greenwood (D-East St. Louis)] voted for Speaker Madigan, they've pushed his unbalanced budgets, tax hikes and job-killing regulations,” Illinois Republican Party spokesman Aaron DeGroot wrote in a GOP release. “Now, House Democrats are falling in line with Madigan once again.”
DeGroot pointed to a recent editorial from The News-Gazette focusing on Pritzker’s growing support from Illinois Democrats. The editorial argues that Madigan is throwing his support behind Pritzker thanks to his ability to finance other Democrats' campaigns and ensure that Democrats are able to create favorable state legislative districts in 2020.
"J.B. Pritzker is the key for Mike Madigan to protect his majority, rig the legislative maps one more time, and tighten his grip on power,” DeGroot said in the statement. “That's why it's no surprise that politicians loyal to Madigan are lining up behind Pritzker, Madigan's candidate for governor. Illinois taxpayers can't afford any more corrupt, tax-hiking politicians who are loyal to Madigan like J.B. Pritzker."
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