Brady Declared Winner of GOP Primary, Is Endorsed By Dillard

NOTE: The State Board of Elections today Declared Sen. Bill Brady had won the GOP Gubernatorial Primary by 193 votes. The following was released by Sen. Kirk Dillard's campaign, who was in second place behind Sen. Brady.

DILLARD ENDORSES BRADY FOR GOVERNOR
(Chicago) – State Senator Kirk Dillard today threw his support behind State Senator Bill Brady in the race for Governor, saying it was “close,” but that Brady had won the Illinois Republican Primary. “I will help Senator Brady in any way I can to ensure the Republican Party wins back the Governor’s office in November,” Dillard said.

Dillard had waited until the Illinois State Board of Elections had reported the final totals in the February 2 Primary election had been counted before conceding because of the narrow margin of Brady’s lead. “It was a hard-fought race, and it was close: less than .0002 of a percent,” said Dillard. “But it is now clear to me that my friend and colleague Bill Brady has won the Illinois Republican Primary for Governor.”

Dillard went on to stress why he will aggressively campaign on Brady’s behalf. “As I’ve said countless times during the campaign, Illinois is a state in crisis. Pat Quinn cannot lead, and shows no urgency in putting people back to work.”

The State Senator from Hinsdale also thanked former Governor Jim Edgar for his support and the hundreds of volunteers and thousands of supporters who backed his campaign during these last seven months. “I call on my supporters and the supporters of the other Republican candidates to join me in supporting Senator Bill Brady,” Dillard said.

Dillard also said he would continue to work hard as a state senator for the people of his district and all of Illinois. “I will continue to fight for the Republican principles of Abraham Lincoln and Ronald Reagan. I will continue to fight for a balanced budget and new jobs. And I will continue to fight for a state government that works for the people, not the politicians.”

Dillard announced his candidacy on July 7, 2009. He said he would make Illinois a “Destination Economy,” by attracting new employers to create jobs. He outlined a “Best in Class” Education plan to train the workforce of tomorrow and vowed to lead by example when it comes to ending corruption by pledging to close his campaign account when sworn-in as Governor.

First elected to the Illinois Senate in 1994, Dillard and his wife Stephanie have two daughters, ages eight and six.

Brady on Schillerstrom Dropping Out of GOP Race for Governor

From the Campaign Office of Senator Bill Brady for Governor

Senator Bill Brady, Republican candidate for Governor, released the following statement today:

“Bob Schillerstrom’s endorsement of Jim Ryan today is as predictable as the dead voting in Chicago. It was inevitable he would throw his support behind either Jim Ryan or Kirk Dillard. Anything to stop real reform.

“Schillerstrom tells us Jim Ryan will be ‘an advocate for the taxpayer, questioning the status quo in state government and fighting to bring real change to Springfield culture.’

“In fact, Ryan and Schillerstrom cut a deal with Chicago interests in 2007 to impose a sales tax increase on voters in DuPage. Jim Ryan actually headed up the Schillerstrom’s pro-tax committee (“DuPage tax supporters ready for month-long blitz,” Daily Herald, 1/6/08). It’s worth noting that Kirk Dillard voted for that increase in the Senate, one of only three Republicans to do so. I voted against it.

“Jim Ryan also called for billions of dollars in income tax increases as he sat on the board of a leftwing think tank, with the SEIU union and other liberal groups. Jim’s $800,000 relationship with Stu Levine hardly speaks of real change. And his mishandling of the Nicarico case, in addition to being an enormous tragedy, cost Bob Schillerstrom’s County millions of dollars in legal settlements.

“Bob and Jim are on opposite ends of key issues such as capital punishment, the Second Amendment rights and abortion. But what matters, apparently, is they are both part of the insider crowd.

“It is doubly ironic that Bob Schillerstrom signed the no-new-tax pledge but is now endorsing one of two candidates who didn’t. Kirk Dillard – no surprise – is the other one. Bob and Jim are the ‘taxing tag team,’ and with Kirk Dillard, it makes three.”

“Talk about a ****storm!”

Statement from Illinois Republican Party Chairman Pat Brady on Scott Brown's Victory in the Massachusetts Senate Special Election

From the Illinois Republican Party
Tuesday, January 19, 2010

Illinois Republican Party Chairman Pat Brady made the following statement today:

"Today, the citizens of Massachusetts repudiated the first year of President Obama's term by electing their first Republican Senator since 1972. Republicans, Independents and even a substantial segment of Democrat voters turned out to soundly reject the Obama Administration's uncontrolled spending and attempt to nationalize healthcare. Tonight's victory for Republicans reflects a trend that started last November in New Jersey and Virginia. Republicans won Governor's races in these two states, which were won by President Obama in 2008. Since the Democrats took control of Washington last January, Republicans have won 27 of 36 special elections, including gaining a majority of the Pennsylvania Supreme Court."

"Illinois is next. Like Massachusetts, Illinois is under control of the single-party rule Democrats who have had unbridled control of the State of Illinois for the last eight years and have brought us to the brink of financial collapse. The eyes of the nation will be upon Illinois as we seek to regain the United States Senate seat formerly held by President Obama and retake the Governor’s mansion."

Brady Vows to Promote and Protect Illinois Agriculture

From the Campaign Office of Senator Bill Brady for Governor

Senator Bill Brady, Republican candidate for Governor, said today he will promote Illinois agriculture as the state’s next Governor and work to ease state policies and regulations that put Illinois farmers and agri-businesses at a competitive disadvantage with neighboring states.

“Agriculture is the largest industry in Illinois, accounting for about 25 percent of the state’s economic activity,” Brady said. “My administration will make sure that Illinois agriculture does not lose any more ground to other farm states. I want to see the anti-agricultural and anti-business policies of the Democrat administrations in Springfield turned around so that Illinois agriculture grows and thrives along with our rural communities.”

The only Downstate candidate for Governor, Brady unveiled his agricultural policy during a visit to Progressive Farm Products Inc. in Hudson.

Brady said he supports:

• Eliminating the state estate tax penalty that puts family farms at risk and eliminating the state sales tax on gasoline that unnecessarily costs Illinois families and businesses.
• Reducing bureaucratic regulations, red tape and inefficiency that delay investments in agricultural-related business start-ups, such as ethanol plants. He said approval of necessary state permits has taken more than a year in instances, where the permitting process in other states is accomplished in 150 days or less.
• Rebuilding a professional Illinois Department of Agriculture, including prioritizing and restoring program funding, which has been cut by as much as 70 percent.
• Reducing anti-business taxes and fees to encourage greater business investment in Illinois and create new private sector jobs.

“Unlike other companies, farmers cannot move their farms across the border to Indiana or Iowa to survive,” said Brady. “They are faced with either suffering the high costs of living and doing business in Illinois or selling their farms.”

“I will work with the agriculture community to promote Illinois agriculture and Illinois-made agricultural products, whether it is large farm equipment or home-grown honey,” he said. “We have a rich agricultural heritage and the potential for an even richer agricultural future.”

Brady, of Bloomington, is the only candidate for Governor with both legislative and business experience.

He was joined at the announcement today by members of Farmers for Brady.

Former Congressman Tom Ewing of Pontiac is the honorary chairman of the advisory board. Chairmen are William J. Graff, a farmer from Logan County and former state executive director of the Illinois Farm Service Agency USDA, and George W. Obernagel III, a partner in a multi-state family farm operation from Monroe County and a retired executive and farm manager with banks in Belleville.

Senator Brady Criticizes Jim Ryan's Plan to Lease Tollway

From the Campaign Office of Senator Bill Brady for Governor

Illinois Senator Bill Brady, (R) Candidate for Governor, released the following statement today regarding opponent Jim Ryan’s proposal to lease the Illinois State Tollway;
State assets have to be preserved for the long term. My opponent, Jim Ryan, is opening the door to a very dangerous practice. We should not be making a habit out of selling or leasing taxpayers assets for a short-term bump. That only provides a temporary fix to a much larger problem.

I would consider privatizing the tollway only if it could be managed better for the taxpayers and drivers, but our track record in Illinois suggests that would not be the case. The leasing of Chicago’s parking meters, for example, has been anything but beneficial to taxpayers. The transition was plagued with problems, and rates are so high -- increasing 75 cents in some areas in the new year -- many taxpayers can no longer afford the convenience of driving to the city. The privatization of the the Chicago Skyway lead to higher tolls, less maintenance and was forced to close down over some holidays because of snow.

As Governor, my top priority will be to provide the leadership to get the Illinois back to living within its means. There is not an area of state government that can’t afford to do more with less. I will make the difficult decisions necessary to balance Illinois’ budget without raising taxes.

I believe the long-term solution to the state’s fiscal imbalance is bringing back the 700,000 jobs Illinois has lost in recent years, which would ultimately result in a $3 billion annual infusion of tax revenues to the state treasury. In the short term, I will order a top-to-bottom prioritization of state spending to curtail programs that are outdated or underperforming and reconstruct government from the bottom up.

Senator Brady Calls for Second Hearing on Thomson

From the Office of State Senator Bill Brady
Monday, December 28, 2009

Illinois State Senator Bill Brady, (R) 44th district, is calling on the Commission on Government Forecasting and Accountability (COGFA) to hold a second hearing on the closing of Thomson Correction Facility so he and fellow committee members can field testimony directly from Governor Quinn.

“I called on Gov. Quinn to testify before the first hearing, because I had serious concerns that only he could address,” said Senator Brady. “In light of new information and because there are still a lot of unanswered questions, I am asking COGFA to hold a second hearing on Thomson and I am urging the Governor to be there.”

Earlier this month, the Associated Press reported more than 850 inmates -- including some violent offenders as well as repeat drunk drivers, drug abusers and people convicted on weapons violations -- were released early for good behavior.

“I’ve been advised that the number of prisoners quietly released for good behavior is actually closer to 2,000 inmates,” said Senator Brady. “That’s on top of the 1,000 prisoners Governor Quinn released in September to save the state money.”

A long-standing practice in Illinois requires all prisoners serve at least 61 days of their sentence, but the AP report revealed some spent as little as 11 days behind bars. The report also found inmates were given credit upfront for good behavior.

“The Governor needs to explain why these inmates were released early, and exactly how many have been released,” said Senator Brady. “His own Director of Corrections testified before the commission that prison overcrowding is a problem in Illinois. How are we expected to sell a state prison to the federal government that we clearly need?”

Senator Brady is also asking Governor Quinn to advise the COGFA committee on what types of prisoners are expected to be housed at Thomson, should the facility be sold to the federal government.

“Recent news reports suggest the terrorists that would be housed in Illinois under the Obama/Quinn plan are more dangerous than first thought,” said Senator Brady. “While I am convinced we could guard the most violent offenders in Thomson, I am concerned Illinois would become a new target for terrorist activity.”

Senator Brady is calling for the second hearing on Thompson to take place first week of the new year. The original hearing was held Tuesday, December 22nd in Sterling, Illinois. Traditionally, the committee would release its recommendations within 30 days.

“We cannot give an informed recommendation without testimony from the Governor,” said Senator Brady. “It is my sincerest hope he accepts my invitation to testify, so we can finally get answers to these lingering questions.”

Brady Reaction to Attorney General Opinion on Sale of Thomson Correctional Center

From the Campaign Office of Senator Bill Brady for Governor
Thursday, December 17, 2009

Senator Bill Brady, Republican candidate for Governor, issued the following statement in response to Attorney General Lisa Madigan’s opinion regarding the proposed sale of the Thomson Correctional Center to the federal government:

“Because the legislature could be called on to vote on ceding state jurisdiction of the site at some point, I would urge the Governor to seek a vote in the General Assembly before any sale of the Thomson Correctional Center is completed. This is a serious matter, which I believe should be subject to full and open debate and complete transparency.”

Brady Opposed to Housing Enemy Combatants in Illinois

From the Campaign Office of Senator Bill Brady for Governor
Saturday, November 14, 2009

Senator Bill Brady, Republican candidate for Governor, today issued the following statement regarding a proposal by President Obama and Governor Quinn to move Guantanamo Bay detainees to Thomson Correctional Center:

“I have grave concerns about shutting down Guantanamo Bay and moving dangerous enemy combatants to Illinois or any other facility on United States soil. These are individuals who pose a terrorist threat to our nation, and I do not believe housing them inside our national borders is wise, from a security standpoint or an economic standpoint. Certainly the cost of housing them at Thomson would be a federal budget issue, but providing heightened security outside the prison walls would most certainly be necessary and be a cost borne by Illinois taxpayers.

“I am committed, as Governor, to opening Thomson Correctional Center immediately to house the growing numbers of inmates within our state correctional system. Governor Quinn, even as he is releasing offenders before completion of their sentences, is moving to expand the state correctional system. With Thomson nearly empty, I question the logic of building selling off Thomson while building new state prison facilities.”

Brady Calls on Quinn to Lift Death Penalty Moratorium

From the Campaign Office of Senator Bill Brady for Governor

Senator Bill Brady, Republican candidate for Governor, released the following statement today:

Gov. Quinn needs to lift the death penalty moratorium that was unjustly imposed in Illinois nearly a decade ago. No Governor has the right to put themselves in front of the law of the land.

The death penalty should be a punishment available to prosecutors for the extreme and heinous crimes in society today. I support capital punishment, particularly for those criminals who would continue to impose a threat to society even while behind bars.

We have worked to put in place sufficient safeguards to prevent unfair prosecutions and innocent people from being put to death. That is why I am calling on Gov. Quinn to lift the moratorium, effective immediately.

Statement from Illinois Republican Party Chairman Pat Brady on House Ethics Committee and Jesse Jackson, Jr.

From the Illinois Republican Party

"Today's announcement from the House Ethics Committee that their investigation into Rep. Jackson will be deferred at the behest of federal prosecutors is another reminder of how Rod Blagojevich's tentacles reach to many of our state's Democrats.

"Today's announcement is another reminder that Blagojevich Democrats have failed the people of Illinois and further underscores the need for drastic change in our state's leadership."

CAMPAIGN 2010: Sen. Bill Brady (R), Candidate for Governor (Part 1 of 3)

CAMPAIGN 2010: Sen. Bill Brady (R), Candidate for Governor (Part 2 of 3)

CAMPAIGN 2010: Sen. Bill Brady (R), Candidate for Governor (Part 3 of 3)

Senator Brady Welcomes New Legislative Chief of Staff

From the Office of State Senator Bill Brady

SPRINGFIELD – State Sen. Bill Brady (R-44th District) has hired a new Chief of Staff for his legislative office in Bloomington.

Abby Walsh of Bloomington is in charge of the Senator’s constituent services and scheduling, and will be working closely with his legislative staff in Springfield.

Walsh formerly worked as Sales and Catering Manager at the Interstate Center in Bloomington.

“Abby is a real go-getter. She grew up in east central Illinois and graduated from Illinois State University. She has worked in Bloomington for seven years and has been involved in a number of local organizations,” Brady said. “She knows the kinds of issues that are important to this region and is interested in all aspects of government. Her education, her work ethic and her outgoing personality will be a real asset to me and the citizens of the 44th District.”

With a degree in Agribusiness from Illinois State University, Walsh currently serves as Vice President for neXt professionals, serves on the Government Affairs Committee for the McLean County Chamber of Commerce, and served on the McLean County Republican Central Committee.

Walsh replaces Mike Levin, who is now working with the Illinois Soybean Association.

Sen. Brady’s district office is located at 2203 Eastland Dr., Suite 3, Bloomington, IL 61074 (309/664-4440). His other aide is Lori Lagerlof at 105A State House, Springfield, IL 62706 (217/782-6216). His legislative Web site is http://brady.senategop.net.

Brady Named to Senate Committees, Reappointed to Spokesperson Position

From the Office of State Senator Bill Brady

SPRINGFIELD – State Sen. Bill Brady (R-Bloomington) has been named to five Illinois Senate committees by Senate Republican Leader Christine Radogno (R-Lemont) for the 96th General Assembly.

The 44th District Senator has been asked to continue his responsibilities as Republican Spokesperson for the Insurance Committee, which examines legislation affecting the insurance industry and policy holders. He will also serve as a member of the Energy, Environment, Pensions and Investments, and Revenue committees.

“Six and a half years of ‘tax-and-spend’ government, coupled with an economic slow-down, has left our state in a mess. The state budget will be the driving force of the coming legislative session, and the issues that are debated by these committees will all have a bearing on our future challenges,” Sen. Brady said. “I look forward to working with my colleagues to turn our state around.”

The Energy Committee reviews legislation that affects power and utilities issues. The Environment Committee handles legislation that addresses recycling and the environment. The Pensions and Investments Committee oversees laws affecting the five state pension systems for public employees and local government pension funds. The Revenue Committee considers legislation involving the Illinois tax code and tax-related issues.

The Senate’s 28 standing committees analyze legislation dealing with specific subject areas, such as education, agriculture and transportation. Committees screen legislation introduced by all members and usually, only those bills approved by a committee may be considered by the entire Senate.