Metro East Sun

As the COVID-19 pandemic holds tight to its grip on Illinois, state Sen. Jason Plummer (R-Edwardsville) is now pointing an accusatory finger at Gov. J.B. Pritzker.

“The political calculations and special treatment of some during this crisis stands out as one of the worst abuses of power in recent memory,” Plummer told the Metro East Reporter. “We’re in this together and the people of Illinois deserve less politics, more transparency, and leadership that works for all.”

Based on rising coronavirus infection rates, Pritzker recently warned tougher restrictions could be on the horizon as at least 11 counties are now at “warning levels” for the spread of the virus. Cass, Gallatin, Jackson, Jo Daviess, Johnson, Perry, Randolph, Saline, Sangamon, St. Clair and White counties are all now considered potential hotspots.

Plummer fears it's more of the same self-serving brand of politics he argues Democrats have used to run Springfield into the ground.

“Their party bosses have destroyed this state, ruining communities and destroying opportunity for Illinois families with pay to play,” he said, pointing to the federal corruption probe longtime House Speaker Mike Madigan now finds himself at the center of.

The longest serving lawmaker in state history and arguably the most powerful politician in Illinois, Madigan in now accused of working hand-and-hand with utility giant ComEd in a “years-long bribery scheme” involving jobs, contracts and payments that were steered to him as a way of currying favor.

Though no charges have been filed against the Illinois Democratic Party chairman, prosecutors have been clear in asserting that ComEd attempted to “influence and reward” him by providing financial benefits to those directly tied to him.

Plummer argues it’s all been the Springfield way for far too long and the Madigan probe is only the tip of the iceberg.

“There’s obviously a lot more to learn, but I don’t think anyone is surprised by this,” he said. “For too long, Illinois has been a hotbed of corruption and much of it starts at the top. I’ve been calling for the speaker to resign for many years now.”