Cook County Circuit Judge Diane Larsen ruled against the Independent Map Amendment this week, keeping the the voter-initiated amendment question off the November ballot.
Allen Skillicorn, Republican candidate for state representative in House District 66, spoke out after the court announced its ruling, blaming Illinois House Speaker Mike Madigan (D-District 22) for the defeat and pointing out that Illinois Democratic Party attorneys had filed the lawsuit against the proposed amendment.
“As a concerned citizen, proven reformer and candidate for the state legislature, I am troubled and disheartened that a Cook County judge ruled against over half million people today," Skillicorn said. "Not only did I sign this petition, I helped circulate the petition. I believe voters should pick their representatives, not the other way around. For 45 years, Mike Madigan has stood as a roadblock to effective, good governance. I urge my friends, family, and neighbors to vote in Nov. 8 election and to vote against any candidate with D next to their name. Illinois can prosper again, but only if we restore bipartisan leadership and the two party system again.”
Independent Map Amendment Chairman Dennis FitzSimons said that an expedited appeal would be filed with the Illinois Supreme Court. The Illinois Board of Elections must have a positive ruling from the Supreme Court by Aug. 26 in order for the amendment question to be placed on the ballot.
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