Metro East Sun

Veteran state representative Dwight Kay has formed a coalition of lawmakers and candidates to remind those in Springfield what their job description should entail.

“We’re trying to change the erroneous philosophy that doing things the democratic way is the only way of doing them,” Kay told the Metro East Sun. “We even have Republicans who do things vastly different from the way they say they’re going to once they get to Springfield, like being in favor of the record-setting income tax increase.”

Kay, who is running against incumbent Rep. Katie Stuart (D-Edwardsville), knows that the job won’t be easy.

Illinois State Rep. Jeanne Ives (R-Wheaton)

He is joined in the coalition by state Sen. Kyle McCarter (R-Lebanon), Reps. Jeanne Ives (R-Wheaton), Brad Halbrook (R-Shelbyville) and Tom Morrison (R-Palatine). In addition to Kay, other GOP House candidates that are part of the group include Darren Bailey, Chris Miller and Blaine Wilhour.

“We will be regularly meeting as a caucus,” Kay said. “We will be part of the Republican caucus, but we’ll get together from time to time separate from that to discuss measures needed to promote truly Republican values. We are going to come armed with factual information and data that’s accurate. In Springfield, that can be pretty powerful. A lot of people hear just bits and pieces about issues and as a result, make uninformed votes.”

While compromise can often be billed as a dirty word in Springfield, Kay said the group will be open to the possibility of it under certain conditions.

“If we do it, we need to be compromising from a place of facts that's supported by historically sound information,” he said. “We need to get away from the emotion of the day being the way we govern.”

Interaction with voters will be critical to the process and that coalition members will regularly be seeking input from them, Kay said.

“Right now, citizens believe everything being done is just what (House Speaker Mike) Madigan wants,” he said. “People think Illinois is worth fighting for. They just don’t see anyone fighting anymore. We will fight for Illinois, but it will be based on the facts of what’s happening and what's needed.”

Illinois’ 112th District includes Glen Carbon and parts of Maryville, Edwardsville, Collinsville, Granite City, Fairview Heights and O’Fallon.