Metro East Sun

Doug Jameson won’t be distracted from his mission of rescuing the state of Illinois from the clutches of House Speaker Mike Madigan (D-Chicago).

Jameson, a Belleville Republican who is running for the seat held by Rep. Jay Hoffman (D-Swansea) in the 113th District, has heard all the rumblings coming from Springfield, including persistent talk of GOP Minority Leader Jim Durkin (R-Western Springs) aligning with Madigan and Democrats to enhance his 2018 re-election effort.

Through it all, Jameson said his focus remains the same.

“The citizens in the 82nd House District (Durkin's district) are in the optimal position to choose the leader best able to carry their voice to Springfield,” he told the Metro East Sun. “I doubt they need the input of a candidate from southern Illinois opining on who is best able to represent them. I will concentrate my efforts in ousting Speaker Madigan by focusing on the needs of citizens in the 113th House District.”

Talk of Durkin being in cahoots with Democrats has swelled ever since the majority of his leadership team banded with Democrats to pass the record-setting 32 percent tax hike as part of the recently enacted state budget.

And then there is the financial support Durkin is reported to have recently received from powerful Chicago Alderman Ed Burke. In recent times, Burke’s Burnham Committee has been known to also make contributions to such powerful Democratic leaders as Chicago Mayor Rahm Emanuel, U.S. Rep. Robin Kelly (D-IL), Democrat Cook County Board of Review Member Michael Cabonargi, Democrat Cook County Commissioner and top Madigan aide Ed Moody and Cook County Board President Toni Preckwinkle.

“I recognize that not all Republicans will agree on every issue,” Jameson said. “As a rule, I support Republicans who support the Republican Party platform. Further, I believe it is time for Republicans across the state to unite efforts in achieving our most critical objective – saving the state of Illinois from Speaker Madigan's ruinous reign of power.”

In the 113th District, Jameson said that starts with him taking down Hoffman.

“That is my political objective,” said Jameson, who recently resigned as chairman of the St. Clair County Republican Committee to be able to dedicate more time to his campaign.

“This effort includes helping voters understand that a vote for Assistant Majority Leader Hoffman is a vote for Speaker Madigan and for a continuation of the failed economic policies and patronage politics that have devastated Illinois,” he said.

The 113th House District includes all or parts of Belleville, Swansea, Fairview Heights, Washington Park, Fairmont City, Caseyville, Madison and Granite City.