Illinois Republican Party

While Lisa Madigan doesn’t do her job, state agencies turn into political organizations
6/27/2012

CHICAGO – Earlier this week it was uncovered by Adam Andrzejewski, Chairman of For The Good Of Illinois PAC, that employees of an almost bankrupt state agency used state resources to organize a political rally headlined by House Minority Leader Rep. Nancy Pelosi at the Rainbow PUSH National Headquarters in Chicago.

The employees and supervisors at the Illinois Student Assistance Commission converted the state agency into a “political advance shop” to aid in the planning of a March event in which Rep. Pelosi announced her endorsement of Rep. Jesse Jackson Jr. in the 2012 2nd Congressional District Democratic Primary election. At the time Rep. Jackson was in a heated primary battle with former Rep. Debbie Halverson.

“This is another example of Democrats in Illinois operating like they’re in the wild wild west,” said Illinois Republican Party Chairman Pat Brady. “We have an Attorney General in this state who refuses to investigate political abuses, most likely to avoid upsetting her father.”

Brady added, "Lisa Madigan's father, Speaker Mike Madigan, drew the new Congressional map in Illinois to try and give congressional democrats a majority and Rep. Pelosi the same title he has, 'Speaker."

“Public pay is for taxpayer work, period. We must have zero tolerance for political corruption. The citizens of Illinois are out of time, money, and patience for this disgusting behavior,” said Adam Andrzejewski.

The report from For The Good of Illinois PAC estimates that Illinois taxpayers are on the hook for tens of thousands of dollars for costs associated with having state employs attend and organize this event. An agency director cited attendance at the event as important given the agency relies on federal funding and Nancy Pelosi is an “influential decision maker.”

“The 243 pages of official emails show a state agency functioning a community outreach organizing arm of Rainbow PUSH. Governor Quinn, open the books on this rogue agency. Taxpayers expect a full accounting of this unfolding scandal,” said Andrzejewski.

Brady added, “We don’t need state employees to travel from around the state to tell Nancy Pelosi how important federal education funds are, that’s Jesse Jackson’s job as a congressman.”

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Click here to see the report from For the Good of Illinois PAC
Click here to see the video "IL State Agency Resources Converted to Politics"

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