Topinka’s Union Endorsement is ‘Business As Usual’

December 14, 2009 | Filed Under Budget, Business, Chicago, Cook County, Economy/Finances, GOP, Government, Corruption, Illinois, Republicans, State Government, Taxes, Warner Todd Huston |

From the Jim Dodge for Comptroller campaign:

AFSCME’s inflexibility is part of state’s budget problems

(DECEMBER 13, 2009 Orland Park, IL) Jim Dodge, Republican Candidate for Illinois Comptroller calls The American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees’ endorsement of his opponent an illustration of ‘business as usual.’ Judy Baar Topinka was the only Republican endorsed by AFSCME which has also backed others in the past such as former governor Rod Blagojevich and Alexi Giannoulias. This election season they are backing only Democrats and Judy Baar Topinka.

‘AFSCME can be one of the main agents of no change in fixing the state’s budget problems,’ said Dodge. ‘The organization’s support of Judy Baar Topinka shows that they expect things to be business as usual and we will continue to have pension and salary increases while the rest of Illinoisans see their taxes go up to pay for fiscal irresponsibility. Her positions in recent newspaper questionnaires and AFSCME’s goals seem at odds. This endorsement by a powerful public sector union, along with her weakness in 2006 makes it clear Topinka is out of touch with the Republican base and quite frankly, she can’t win in November.’

Republican Organizations Continue to Back Dodge
Meanwhile, Dodge continues to rack up the Republican Township endorsements winning both Libertyville and Cuba Townships.

‘I am grateful to both Cuba and Libertyville Township Republicans for their confidence and support in this primary,’ Dodge said. ‘This is further proof that rank and file Republican’s want to have a clean break from the politics of the past and back someone who can provide a future for Republicans.’

The Illinois Federation for the Right to Life along with Vernon, New Trier, Wheeling, Palatine and Schaumburg Townships in Cook County have already endorsed Dodge’s candidacy. Dodge also defeated Topinka in the November 4th Milton Township straw poll. Topinka carried Milton Township, located in DuPage County, in her failed 2006 gubernatorial run. Elk Grove, Barrington and Northfield townships did not endorse after candidate presentations ‘ major setbacks for Topinka, Treasurer under former governors George Ryan and Rod Blagojevich and a former gubernatorial candidate.

Jim Dodge has served on the Orland Park Board of Trustees since 1989, serving as a village trustee since 1996. He was named to the Metra Board of Directors in 2004. An Illinois Army National Guard veteran, Dodge holds an MBA from the University of Chicago and received his Bachelor’s Degree from DePaul University. He and his wife, Linda, have two children. Further information about the Dodge campaign can be found at www.jimdodge2010.com.

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