Kane County Reporter

Dan Ugaste looks at House Speaker Mike Madigan taking such an interest in his race against Democrat Richard Johnson in the 65th District as sort of a mixed bag.

“It’s a good sign that he sees enough resistance to his reign in Springfield that he feels the need to be trying to steal a district that has long gone Republican,” Ugaste told the Kane County Reporter. “But at the same time, we have to be ever vigilant in getting out our message and letting people know how we plan to revitalize Illinois because he’s come to the district with his full array of bad distortions.”

The McHenry Times previously reported Madigan, who also serves as chairman of the Democratic Party, contributed $133,996 to Johnson’s campaign over a month-long period ending Aug. 15.

Richard Johnson

The funds came courtesy of the Friends of the Michael J. Madigan committee, the Illinois Democratic Party and the Democratic County Chairman’s Association of Illinois, according to the report.

“The amount of money he’s spending for a race like this is unheard of,” Ugaste said. “It’s definitely an indication that he’s worried and the feedback I’ve been getting from voters in the district has been positive. I just hope people continue to see past all his negative campaigning. If your message is a good one, you don’t have to resort to such tactics.”

Before Illinois can truly begin any rebirth, voters have to rise up to oust Madigan from power, Ugaste said.

“What he’s doing is unsustainable and truly has the people of this state on edge,” he said. “We need him out as quick as we can make it happen.”

Madigan was first elected to the House nearly 50 years ago and has served as Speaker of the House since 1983.

“He is the one constant in all this state’s struggles and all its growing financial shortfalls,” Ugaste said. “His fingerprints are all over all of that turmoil and disaster.”

The 65th House District includes Batavia, Burlington, Dundee, Elgin, Geneva, Grafton, Hampshire, Plato, Rutland and St. Charles.