I live in the newly drawn 24th Senate District of Illinois in Elmhurst and must choose between Kirk Dillard and Chris Nybo in the upcoming primary.
Kirk Dillard has been an Illinois State Senator for 18 years and has been part of the political system in Springfield for more than 25 years. During that time, Illinois has spiraled deeper and deeper into debt and amassed a $120 billion pension obligation. Politicians like Dillard have been diligent in awarding college scholarships to their friends and supporters and have stuck taxpayers with the bill. Dillard has a million-dollar state pension while our state’s vendors strangle on millions of dollars of unpaid invoices.
Mr. Dillard, along with the likes of Mike Madigan and John Cullerton, lack the desire, the ability or both to do what needs to be done for the citizens of Illinois. They have shirked their responsibilities as legislators to hang on for another term. The fact that Dillard has been in office so long is the single best reason not to re-elect him. The damage to the State of Illinois has occurred on his watch.
In stark contrast, Chris Nybo has proven to be a passionate and effective first term legislator in the General Assembly. Nybo casts his votes with the best interests of Illinois taxpayers in mind. Chris demonstrated his commitment to the people of Illinois when he reached across the aisle and provided critical support for a worker’s comp bill that significantly improved Illinois’ dysfunctional system. Chris Nybo has recently filed legislation for term limits for Illinois legislators, which is to me clear evidence that he is a different breed of public servant. Nothing short of term limits will save us from the likes of Madigan, Cullerton, and yes, Dillard.
I will vote for Chris Nybo. If you want to help rid our state of self-serving, ineffective politicians who have carefully guarded the status quo for decades, I suggest you do the same.
—Mike Hartley
But he [Nybo] has also alienated many people with his highly off-putting style. Not exactly the force we envisioned. Lord knows Springfield pols need to hear blunt language about their failings, but Nybo has much to learn about securing support if he wants to get things done." - Chicago Tribune Sunday, 3/4/2012
- Dan Cronin
- Daily Herald 2/24/2012
Rep. Randy Hultgren
The Patch - 2/22/2012
Mayor Tony Ragucci - Oakbrook Terrace
He's smart, he's responsive, he's productive. Simply put, Kirk has become one of the most effective and respected leaders in lllinois. Congresswoman Judy Biggert March, 2012
Rep. Jim Durkin - Assistant Republican Illinois House Leader February, 2012
Rep. Sandra Pihos - Illinois 42 District
Jim Ryan - Former Illinois Attorney General and Elmhurst Resident
Hon. Lee Daniels - Former Illinois House Speaker and Elmhurst Resident
DuPage Zoning Commission - Left commission after only 3 months of 4 year term Elmhurst Police/Fire Commission - Did not complete term to run for Alderman Elmhurst Alderman - Did not complete term to run for Representative State Representative - Began running for Senate after serving only a few month
Yes, Mr. Dillard has been in Springfield since the Jim Thompson administration. I'd call that a career. No. My wife worked in the same capacity for Rep. Biggins prior to Rep. Nybo being elected. You're right, she's an absolutely wonderful person and a blessing to me. There is no inconsistency to receiving a salary as a District Director. It's a very important job that pays woefully little. The compensation of helping people makes up for the very low pay. Senator Dillard is a nice and affable man who's been in Springfield for a long time. His colleagues of two decades or so are supporting him. That's the most likely reason. The most notable endorsements are those of the people who live in the Districts Mr. O'Meara; like the letter writer above. Those are the folks who matter most, not the retired, nearly retired establishment class who are living very comfortably on the pension you, me, my children and future grandchildren have provided. I accept no money for my work sir. I never have. I've been treated to lots of lemonade and slews of patty melts, but that's it. I don't even take gas money. Mr. Dillard, by the way, pays himself a campaign per diem for campaigning. I'm happy to reap good honest government for what I've sown. That's all.
of the fact that Nybo sought all of the endorsements that Dillard received. Nybo filled out the same questionnaires, he attended the same interviews. He was viewed as the lesser candidate pure and simple. Disingenuous, Kevin, and as usual, misleading. I would also point out that we have received several calls from people in the gaming industry saying that just last week, Nybo was lobbying for contributions. Hypocritical on Nybo's part? The voters WILL judge.
3/3 $2,500 Lunch Pail Republicans PAC 3/3 $2,500 Richard Duchossois 3/3 $10,000 Illinois Federation of Teachers COPE 3/3 $1,000 Illinois Thoroughbred Horsemen's Association 3/3 $1,000 Hill Mechanical Services 3/3 $1,000 R.E. Berres 3/3 $2,550 Mark Wright
Big campaign cash flowing into General Assembly races March 06, 2012 Some big money is piling into races for the Illinois General Assembly, with $4.6 million in campaign cash raised in January alone, a civic watchdog group says. According to the Illinois Campaign for Political Reform, the biggest war chests are concentrated in Republican races, two for the Senate and one for the House. Incumbent Dave Syverson and challenger Christine Johnson had pulled in $401,400 and $179,600, respectively in the Rockford-area 35th District. Just behind that was a contest pitting Sen. Kirk Dillard ($396,900) against state Rep. Chris Nybo ($115,900) in DuPage County. That's a lot of gambling and teacher's union and liquor money flying in Frank. http://www.chicagobusiness.com/article/20120306/BLOGS02/120309870/big-campaign-cash-flowing-into-general-assembly-races Pardon my ignorance Frank. I'm just trying to keep up with your keen insights.