Lake County Gazette

Ken Idstein, the Republican candidate for the 62nd House District, thinks he knows why state House Speaker Mike Madigan seems to have a vested interest in his opponent, incumbent Rep. Sam Yingling (D-Grayslake).

“Sam Yingling has reported another $360,000 campaign contribution from Mike Madigan,” Idstein said in a press release. “This totals $1.8 million in contributions that Yingling has received from Mike Madigan. What exactly is Madigan buying with all that money? It looks to me like all we get are the highest property taxes in the nation and a politician in Yingling who is beholden to Madigan.”

With politicians like Yingling, Idstein argues it’s no wonder Madigan has been able to stay in power for the last four decades.

Democrat Rep. Sam Yingling : Yes Man to Madigan?

“Sam Yingling has taken $1.8 million from Madigan and has, in turn, appointed Madigan Speaker of the House every session since he’s taken office,” he said. “I have pledged to not vote for Madigan as Speaker; my opponent has refused to do so.”

The alliance between Yingling and Madigan has been even more costly for area residents, Idstein said.

“The Madigan/Yingling partnership has done enough damage to our home values and community,” he said. “It’s time for us to save our homes by taking away power from Madigan and yes-men like Yingling.”

In contrast, Idstein told the Lake County Gazette that he has not taken any funding from Madigan or any other political leader across the state, priding himself on being an independent candidate intent on doing what is best for constituents.

“The independent, fair-minded voters in our communities are connecting the dots between Madigan’s money and influence and the votes Yingling has taken,” he said. “Families I talk with are tired of Yingling’s lies. They deserve better. Someone who will fight for them, and not do the bidding of Madigan and Chicago Democrats”

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