Metro East Sun

Republican state House candidate Micheal Babcock believes term limits are a necessity for the Illinois government to get back on track.

“We hear the term ‘career politicians’ a lot, but we should remember what it really means,” Babcock said. “It means that some of the people that go to Springfield will stop at nothing to hold onto their power.”

Babcock, who is running against Rep. Monica Bristow (D-Godfrey) for the 111th District seat, recently joined Gov. Bruce Rauner in signing a vow to enact legislation that will put eight-year term limits for all elected officials on the ballot and also promises to vote for “anyone other than Mike Madigan as Speaker of the Illinois House of Representatives.”

Rep. Monica Bristow (D-Godfrey)

“I look forward to casting two important votes: one for term limits and one against Mike Madigan and his record of self-serving failure,” he said. “It cannot be said often enough that Mike Madigan has presided over the historic decline of our state. His leadership has failed, and his caucus has completely refused to stand up for what’s right and vote him out.

Babcock believes the issue is non-partisan and called Bristow to sign the pledge as well.

“If my opponent doesn’t take the opportunity to join me in signing this pledge, she needs to explain to the people of the 111th district what she intends to do,” Babcock said.

He pointed out that Tim Mapes, Madigan’s chief of staff, resigned following reports that he oversaw a culture of harassment and actively sought to cover up misconduct.

“Calls for an independent investigation in light of the issue have been bipartisan, signaling that the Speaker may have found himself in an uncharacteristically defensive position,” Babcock said.

The 111th House District includes Jersey and Madison counties.