Primaries Test Loyalty, Party Sway Amid Illinois Budget Spat
ICPR Executive Director Sarah Brune was quoted in this article
via The Telegraph
“CHICAGO — Such is the topsy-turvy state of Illinois politics that two of the hottest primary contests this month have power brokers from both parties spending millions to boot one of their own from office.
State Rep. Ken Dunkin, a Chicago Democrat, and state Sen. Sam McCann, a Springfield Republican, face high-stake challenges, primarily for their votes on union-related issues. The races are seen as indicators of the consequences lawmakers can expect when they defy the wishes of their party leaders — House Speaker Michael Madigan and Gov. Bruce Rauner, respectively.
Over three decades in power, Madigan, a Chicago Democrat, has built a reputation for running a disciplined majority that rarely deviates from what he wants by being a prolific fundraiser who rewards loyalty. Rauner, a suburban Chicago Republican, is a political newcomer and former venture capitalist who has vowed to use his wealth to help politicians who support his pro-business agenda, which includes restricting the power of unions in the state.”
Back