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Tollway lease costly for another state’s leader

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Illinois

There was a lot more to this huge loss than just his support of Indiana’s lease of its tollway system, but this story should serve as a warning to those in Illinois who might want to do the same thing here.

Senate President Pro Tempore Robert D. Garton, one of the most powerful men in the state, has lost the seat he’s held for 36 years.

On Tuesday, Columbus accountant Greg Walker, in his first run for public office, upset the longest-serving leader in the Statehouse. […]

In the Statehouse, Republican incumbent lawmakers faced the toughest elections as they squared off against opponents who seized on unpopular votes cast on daylight-saving time and a proposal to lease the Indiana Toll Road. Rep. Mary Kay Budak of LaPorte lost, and Reps. Richard McClain of Logansport and Don Lehe of Brookston won close races.

[Hat tip: Vock]

posted by Rich Miller
Monday, May 8, 06 @ 1:57 am

Comments

Talk about burying the lede: Walker “has said he supports public flogging, a stance he defends by saying ‘no skin would be broken,’ and the public humiliation could change lawbreakers’ ways.”

Comment by Reality Check Monday, May 8, 06 @ 9:04 am
Garton’s loss had nothing to do with the Toll Road. His district is nowhere near the Toll Road. He got beat on “career politician’s got to go rhetoric” by a candidate who whipped up the conservative base in a primary with only 20% turnout. In the November, though, some northern Indiana Republicans will see their heads roll.

Comment by Exile in Hooserland Monday, May 8, 06 @ 2:42 pm
It was a bad deal for them, it will be a bad deal for Illinois.

In related news, here’s a great link to express yourself back to the tollway:

http://atom.smasher.org/construction/

You can see how it feels to be governor and put your name all over the highways, but not really improve them.

Comment by Good guys wear orange Monday, May 8, 06 @ 5:52 pm

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