Governor Pat Quinn yesterday called his annual budget address his "rendezvous with reality."  In fact, it was nothing less than a date with delusion.

We once again heard from a governor who only wants to point fingers and appoint blue ribbon panels.  The governor's unwillingness to do the heavy lifting shows once again why it is crucial to have Republicans in Springfield who know how the system works -- and how it doesn't work.

This governor is incapable of finding actual solutions.

Let's not forget this is a governor who just a year ago rammed through a 67% tax increase on the people of Illinois.  Now we learn from the Chicago Civic Federation that all of that extra tax money is going entirely for pension obligations.  Yet the governor could offer only a "road map" and timetables for decisions.

There was a time when our state offered so much promise.  We were to be the place of supercomputers and high tech corridors and vibrant energy.   Instead, we have driven innovation and jobs from our state.  Through insider politics and narrow minded policymaking, we are losing more jobs now than any other state.  With my background and experience, I will be able from day one to stand up for the policies and bills that will finally help turn this state around.

Chris Hage announced his candidacy in October, with Patti Birkett, wife of former DuPage State's Attorney Joe Birkett, chairing the effort. For nearly ten years, Hage served as a prosecutor under Birkett, successfully convicting felons and collecting more than a million dollars in child support. For more than ten years, Hage has also led the Chicago Lawyers' Chapter of the Federalist Society, a conservative public policy group started by Reagan Administration attorneys. He also is an Eagle Scout.

The 42nd District includes all of Winfield, large parts of Wheaton and Lisle, and portions of Carol Stream, West Chicago, Warrenville, and Naperville.

Courtesy of a press release from Chris Hage