Lake County Gazette

Republican House candidate Martin McLaughlin is hoping his recent Chicago Tribune endorsement sends the message that some politicians are still who they campaign to be.

“I hope it gets the message out that some people in Illinois are still about reforming government so that we can finally get to a place where we can control spending and taxes,” McLaughlin told the Lake County Gazette. “I think people have grown tired of hearing people just talk about what they’ll do. I’m someone who has run a business and got things done. Talk is cheap, and having a record of success has to make difference.”

In throwing its support behind McLaughlin,  the Tribune theorizes he may be just what Springfield needs at such a critical time in history.

“He knows that because of the pandemic, revenue from state taxes will be a sliver of what they were before,” the newspaper added. “McLaughlin says other states have decided to slash spending to brace for less money coming in. That’s the course Illinois should take as well.”

McLaughlin argues his position on taxes and spending are just a couple of the biggest ways he differs from his 52nd District opponent and Island Lake Democrat Marci Suelzer.

“I’d say the biggest difference is I’m not 99% supported by (House Speaker) Mike Madigan,” he said. “I’m supported by businesses owners and concerned residents of the district.”

And then there is the progressive tax supported by Gov. J.B. Pritzker that will be on the Nov. 3 ballot. McLaughlin stands as a firm opponent to it, while his rival has thrown her support behind the measure.

“She hasn’t talked about it a lot, but she seems to think we need even more spending,” he said. “I’d like to see government get out of the way and let us solve our own issues. They’ve proven no ability to restrain themselves when comes to spending.”