For Immediate Release
Contact: Mark Batinick
630-514-0180
Benton Must Answer for His Silence Over Madigan Corruption
“Benton must call for Madigan’s resignation or explain to Illinoisans why he believes Madigan should remain Speaker of the House.” – Representative Batinick
PLAINFIELD, IL – While State Representative Mark Batinick (R-Plainfield) continues to lead in calling for House Speaker Michael Madigan’s resignation, Democratic House candidate Harry Benton remains silent over the ongoing corruption scandals.
More than seven months since Rep. Batinick first called for Madigan’s resignation, Benton continues to refuse to say a word regarding the controversies. Whether it’s the allegations that Madigan “benefited from a yearslong bribery and influence scheme”, allegations of covering up a rape in Champaign and ghost payrolling of government workers, or the many other federal investigations involving the Speaker’s inner circle of confidants, Benton has stood loyally by Madigan’s side.
Holding elected officials’ feet to the fire starts in Springfield. As the Chicago Tribune wrote: “Illinois does need ethics reforms. But mostly it needs politicians who display — and demand —ethical leadership.” Ten days since the latest Madigan scandal broke, Benton’s refusal to call for his resignation says everything about his weak leadership style.
Madigan is not elected speaker by the voters, but rather, by the Illinois House members. Madigan – and those who empower him – are responsible for the culture of corruption in Springfield. Harry Benton’s silence has proven that he would be another loyal vote for the Madigan corruption, rather than a voice for the 97th District. This must end for Illinois to thrive.
“Month after month, Illinoisans see Madigan’s culture of corruption play out in Springfield, yet Mr. Benton remains silent,” said Representative Batinick. “Rather than taking a stand for the 97th District and clean up Illinois, Mr. Benton would be a loyal vote to keep Madigan in power. Enough is enough. Mr. Benton must call for Madigan’s resignation or explain to Illinoisans why he believes Madigan should remain Speaker of the House.
“Illinois needs ethics reform and we need leaders who will restore power back into the hands of the people. I will continue to be an advocate for the people of our district, for ethics reform and for an end to Madigan’s culture of corruption.”
Mark Batinick, a Republican, is running for re-election as State Representative of the 97th House District, which includes portions of Oswego, Montgomery, Naperville, Plainfield, Bolingbrook, Joliet and Shorewood.
Mark and his wife, Ellen, reside in Plainfield with their five children. He is an active volunteer and supporter of numerous civic and charitable organizations in our community. Mark regularly coaches youth soccer and has also coached basketball.
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Debbie KraulidisBatinick for State Representative 97thCampaign Chair708.557.9876
