Illinois Valley Times

Illinois state Sen. Sue Rezin (R-Elmhurst) laments the more things change in Springfield, the more they stay the same.

“This certainly shows that it’s still business as usual among our government leaders,” Rezin told the Illinois Valley Times of news a recent WBEZ report that found during the first 18 months that Democrat Gov. J.B. Pritzker has been in office, he’s made at least 35 hires from a so-called “clout list” compiled by and supplied to him by longtime House Speaker Mike Madigan (D-Chicago).

“It just shows the level of power and influence Speaker Madigan holds within his party and throughout the state,” Rezin added. “It’s another example of the level of built-in power now resonating from his office.”

While insisting she’s not overly surprised to learn of the Pritzker-Madigan alliance, Rezin argues it goes against everything the governor has proclaimed to stand for.

“The governor ran on being independent and as a new voice for Springfield,” she said. “This is just another example of what’s really going on behind the scenes. Speaker Madigan has always been about using his power to get people into power that support him and are willing to work with him to keep control. People, unfortunately, have almost become desensitized to the story, but we have to tell ourselves enough is enough.”

In the end, Rezin said change has to quickly come to Springfield for Illinois to have any chance of getting back on track.

“We need a two-party system that is not run by one person in this the state,” she said. “We’ve seen time and time again how all the power and influence the speaker holds is baked into every political decision that happens in this state. As long as he is in power, we will continue to see these kinds of stories.”