McHenry Times

Veteran state Rep. Dan Ugaste (R-Geneva) has received the endorsement of the Chicago Tribune in his run against Democrat Martha Paschke in the 65th District.

“You’re always looking for endorsements because you hope people are paying attention and feel the institution making the recommendation is a good judge of character,” Ugaste told the Kane County Reporter. “I’m hoping it will help me get a vote.”

Even more than that, Ugaste is confident the connection he’s come to have with voters across the district about what’s now most needed will make all the difference.

“Ethical government is what we’re severely lacking in this state right now and I think people know I’m an honest person who when he says something sincerely means it,” Ugaste added. “My opponent has not done that by not coming out to say no more support for Mike Madigan.”

With the longtime House Speaker now at the center of an ongoing federal corruption probe involving ComEd and a pay-for-play scheme, Ugaste has long called for Madigan to step down.  As the federal corruption probe continues to play out, Madigan also finds himself in the crosshairs of an ongoing Special House committee probe looking into some of his most suspect behavior. Thus far, the state’s longest tenured lawmaker has flatly refused to appear before the panel for questioning.

Finally, Ugaste argues Springfield Democrats' rampant corruption is at the root of many of the state’s biggest problems.

“Taxes, finances and other things are completely out of whack largely because of the ethical problems leading to higher taxes,” he said. “I think until you start addressing some of those issues we’re not going to get to cover the ground that’s needed to really change things.”