West Central Reporter

Jonas Petty takes notice of Mike Madigan’s latest feud and marvels at how the longtime House speaker from Chicago seems to keep coming out on top. 

“I don’t know if all the other legislators in Springfield fear him as much as they just mindlessly run to him the way cattle does to the truck,” Petty, a Pittsfield Republican running against Rep. C.D. Davidsmeyer (R-Jacksonville) in the GOP primary in the 100th House District, told the West Central Reporter. “In either case, that's not what you want to see from all your so-called leaders.”

Rep. Scott Drury (D-Highwood) is the latest House member to be in Madigan’s crosshairs after he dared not to support some of his proposals and even went as far as to become the only Democrat not to support his re-election as House speaker.

Jonas Petty

Drury, a former federal prosecutor, is running for attorney general in the Democratic primary and Madigan has been far from a supporter, culminating with a union that has ties to Madigan making an attempt  to have Drury knocked off the March 20 ballot, the Illinois News Network reported.

“Madigan has written all the rules around himself and the way he does things,” Petty said. “People miss boat by not remembering he got to where he’s at by out-politicking everyone. That’s why we can’t continue to elect weak leaders who won’t work just as hard as him to get the things done this state really needs.”

In the end, Petty said he isn’t surprised that Madigan always seems to play hardball with anyone he sees as opposing him.

“Sure, he’s going to defend his position,” he said. “Anyone would who’s in a position of power. No one wants to give power voluntarily, short of George Washington. When you compare his courage, conviction and willingness to sacrifice for the common good to the pure selfishness of Madigan it figures that the state is in the shape that it is.”

Petty sees himself as being part of the change. He said the recent endorsement of the Chicago Tribune has given his campaign a boost in credibility he is hoping will make a difference.

“We’re hoping to end the campaign with a bang,” he said. “When it comes to C.D. and all the ways he’s come up short for the district, voters have to ask themselves are you getting for what you pay for.”

The 100th House District includes all or parts of Calhoun, Greene, Jersey, Macoupin, Madison, Morgan, Pike, Sangamon and Scott counties.