Lake County Gazette

Ken Idstein thinks it’s time voters of the 62nd District judged Rep. Sam Yingling (D-Grayslake) based on his actions and not just his words.

“How can Yingling provide an independent voice for us when he has taken $1.5 million from one of the most corrupt and power-hungry politicians in the nation,” Idstein said in a recent press release blasting Yingling over his close relationship with longtime House Speaker Mike Madigan (D-Chicago). “Who is Yingling really working for? Our property taxes go up, and Yingling gets money from Madigan to get re-elected.”

Rep. Sam Yingling

A recent Illinois Policy Institute (IPI) report states that Madigan has contributed approximately $15 million to the campaigns of roughly 60 current legislators he is intent on keeping in Springfield, with Yingling topping the list for most money received at $1,493,600.

IPI further notes that all of the beneficiaries of Madigan’s funding have supported his re-election bids as House speaker.

“We should all congratulate Rep. Yingling on receiving a record-setting $1.5 million in campaign contributions from Speaker Madigan,” said Idstein, who is set to face off against Yingling in November’s general election. “Our families feel the trade-offs and deal-cutting that have gone into Yingling’s incredible feat of taking the most money from Madigan.”

Madigan also serves as chairman of various campaign committees, giving him access to even more cash and resources to use as bargaining chips, according to IPI. In contrast, Idstein notes that his campaign is not funded by any of the political heavyweights and is all about instituting a reform government.

“I’m not tied to (Gov. Bruce) Rauner or (Democratic gubernatorial candidate J.B.) Pritzker,” he said. “I’m fighting for you.”

Taxpayers in the district have grown weary of all the dysfunction coming from Springfield and long for an independent voice to act on their behalf, Idstein said.

“I’m running to be an independent check on the politicians in both parties,” he said. “That means actually lowering property taxes, instead of Yingling’s years of empty political promises while your property taxes keep going up. Madigan is responsible for the financial disaster we face and Yingling has sold us out for $1.5 million in Madigan money. Is it any wonder that our property taxes keep going up and up on Yingling and Madigan’s watch?”

The 62nd House District includes parts of Avon, Fremont, Grant, Lake Villa, Warren and Wauconda.