Metro East Sun

Republican state House hopeful Amy Elik derives just one conclusion from all the scandal and chaos now gripping Springfield Democrats.

“The corruption scandals that continue to plague state government demonstrate the need for new effective conservative leadership,” Elik told the Metro East Sun.

Running against incumbent state Rep. Monica Bristow (D-Alton) in the 111th District, Elik reasons she can’t see how Democrats can still have the gall to be demanding more from residents in the form of the progressive tax now being pushed by Gov. J.B. Pritzker.

“I oppose any increase in taxes because the Chicago politicians my opponent props up have betrayed our trust and do not deserve more power or money,” she said. “As a champion of life, Secondnd Amendment rights, and lowering taxes, I'll continue fighting every day for the values we hold dear.”

Elik seems to view it as more than just coincidence that the recent indictment of veteran state Sen. Terry Link (D-Indian Creek) marks the fourth time a key backer of the tax Pritzker has been pushing since his days as a candidate now finds himself facing criminal charges.

“While Democrats are raising our taxes every year, Sen. Link tried not to pay his,” she added on Facebook. “And the most ironic part is he served on the ethics commission.”

According to the Chicago Sun-Times, Link joins former state Rep. Luis Arroyo, who could get up to 10 years in prison at trial, and Sen. Tom Cullerton, who has been hit with 41-count indictment on embezzlement charges, are among those still on the hot seat. One-time state Sen. Martin Sandoval has already pled guilty to taking $250,000 in bribes from SafeSpeed, a red-light camera vendor.

And then there is longtime House Speaker Mike Madigan, who now finds himself implicated in an ongoing federal corruption probe involving ComEd in which its alleged bribes were steered to several of his close associates as part of a pay-to-play scheme aimed at currying favor with him.

Elik argues it all speaks to the corrupt nature that is now eroding Springfield.

“My opponent has already come out with attack ads against me because they can’t defend their records of corruption and tax hikes,” she said. “I will put you and your families first, not corrupt politicians like Link and the list of others, including Madigan.”