Metro East Sun

Jason Plummer’s run for the 54th Senate District seat is all about providing an independent voice in Springfield.

“The career politicians have become so entrenched most of them now only work for their own interests,” Plummer told the Metro East Sun. “Until we have more independence in Springfield, nothing’s going to change no matter how much most of us might want it to.”  

As proof for his position, Plummer points to the ongoing reign of Mike Madigan (D-Chicago) as Illinois House Speaker.

Illinois Policy Institute (IPI) reports Madigan has recently contributed nearly $15 million to the campaigns of about 60 legislators he is intent on seeing remain in Springfield. In every instance, each of the lawmakers that received a contribution fully supported Madigan as the House Speaker.

“I try to give the benefit of doubt to every legislator, but if you look at where all those lawmakers are spread out geographically you would assume they wouldn’t always have the same interests and opinions on things like taxes, yet they all vote the same way over and over,” Plummer said. “That should tell people everything they need to know. Someone taking that kind of money, then voting against the interests of their own constituents has to tell you something.”

Running against Democrat Brian Stout, Plummer said he wouldn’t go as far as to say no candidate can take the kind of money Madigan’s been throwing around and not maintain their independence.

“But with this group, they all have a track record of showing no independence,” he said. “They’ve all shown themselves to be puppets for Mike Madigan.”

Besides being the longest-serving House speaker in history, Madigan also serves as chairman of various campaign committees, which gives him access to even more cash and resources, according to IPI.

“The problem isn’t the money that’s now in politics,” Plummer said. “It’s all these crooked politicians who think it is more important than their principles and everything else.”

The 54th District includes Bond, Clinton, Effingham, Fayette, Madison, Marion, St. Clair and Washington counties.