Talking about an Illinois revolution (Editorial)

Daily Herald Editorial Board

None of us should want a few powerful people deciding who gets to represent us or what ideas get considered. We're supposed to get to decide that for ourselves when we go to the ballot box, as we all should do Tuesday.

But an Illinois law to take effect next year gives too much control to already too-powerful legislative leaders and political parties in Illinois.

That campaign finance law placed limits on what everyone will be able to spend on primaries. But it created a gaping hole that allows for a power grab for the critical fall general elections. The law limits donations from everyone in general elections, except the four legislative leaders and political parties. They are not limited at all.

We have noted in this space before and will continue to note that Democratic House Speaker Michael J. Madigan and Democratic Senate President John Cullerton and Republican House Leader Tom Cross and Republican Senate Leader Christine Radogno historically already have been major donors to the rank-and-file legislative candidates they want to see win. The leaders run legislative campaigns and, in many cases, provide two-thirds or more of the funding and services it takes for a candidate to win an election.

So it should be of surprise to no one, when our representatives and senators are more concerned about representing their caucus boss than they are about representing us. This problem must be fixed.