By Illinois Review
On Friday, Illinois House Republican Minority Leader Tony McCombie vented about the Democrat’s control in the legislature and the abrupt cancellation of the day’s legislative business, as Republicans maintain their status in the super minority while the Democrats control a 38-seat majority and campaign accounts flush with cash.
“Republicans showed up with good bills for consideration. Bans on kangaroos and exotic cats made the cut while Republican bills to reduce taxes, hold criminals accountable, and strengthen families were blocked by Democrats. The priorities of this chamber are upside down and it’s immoral to leave early while so much work remains.”
Illinois Republicans remain voiceless and irrelevant on local and state matters in Springfield as the Democrats enjoy super majority control in both the Illinois House and Senate chambers. Poor leadership and a perpetual losing streak continue to plague the Republican party despite leaders promising voters big victories every election cycle.
As previously reported by this publication, the Democrat majority has run out of desks in the House chamber, forcing many Democratic members to sit on the Republican side of the aisle. Democrats attempted to install more desks on their side, but settled on crossing the aisle and occupying desks reserved for Republicans instead.
In an interview on WMAY radio with Bishop on Air last January, IL GOP chairman Don Tracy spoke about the Democrats’ control in Springfield and suggested that, “Even Democrats should want a two-party state . . . it’s in everyone’s interests to have a stronger Republican Party. They’re overplaying their hand, and I hope Illinois voters recognize that and return Illinois to a two-party state next election.”
In other words, the Democrats should come to their senses and throw the Republicans a lifeline by not winning so much because Republicans need a voice in Springfield too.
During a press conference last year shortly after being elected super minority leader, McCombie had a message for the Democrats: “I’ll keep knocking on the door until they let me in.” The leader also promised to give Republicans a seat at the table and force the Democrats to work with their Republican colleagues. So far, those attempts have been unsuccessful.
The Democrats also have a major cash advantage, outraising Republicans by $33 million as both parties prepare for the November election. As the financials reveal, Democrat House Speaker Chris Welch has a reported $8.1 million in his account while McCombie is reporting just $1.1 million. Democrats for the Illinois House also report $1.5 million cash-on-hand while the House Republican Organization reports just $632,412.
Although Illinois House and Senate Republicans face another tough election year, Tracy is once again promising major Republican victories, including winning back seats in Springfield, writing recently, “Onward to November!”
