Risinger endorses Murphy for Lt. Gov.
12/1/2009
GALESBURG - State Sen. Matt Murphy, R-Palatine, campaigned in Galesburg Monday, building momentum for his campaign as a candidate for Lieutenant Governor.
Murphy is running as a team with businessman Andy McKenna, who hopes to be the state’s next governor. State Sen. Dale Risinger R-Peoria, has endorsed their election bid. “There is no doubt in my mind that Matt Murphy is the right person to lead our lieutenant governor’s office,” said Risinger in a news release. “Matt’s ability to transcend partisan politics and focus his efforts on lowering taxes for Illinois families makes him a perfect fit for that office.”
At The Register-Mail office Monday, Murphy said the state’s number one goal should be job creation. “Our number one priority should be putting people to work,” Murhpy said. He said the state should phase out one of two taxes on corporate income to stimulate growth. He’s against raising the state income tax, one possible solution to putting the state’s finances in order. Raising income taxes would be a “job killer,” Murphy said.
Murphy also said he would like to “undo what Rod Blagojevich did to Medicaid.” That would entail reducing eligibility levels for care, something Murhpy admitted would not be popular. “There’s no popular way out of this hole,” he said.
Murphy has held his position as a state senator for three years and his running mate McKenna has never held elective office before. Murphy initially announced he would run for governor, but then dropped out to run with McKenna. He said he and McKenna “offer a credible alternative” to Democratic rule. “I think we’ve got an excellent chance,” he said of his election bid. Murphy believes the public is tired of “one-party rule” in Springfield and Washington, D.C., and worried about government spending. In his view, those feelings will earn his campaign votes.
He said he was pleased to receive Risinger’s backing. “I gladly accept Senator Risinger’s endorsement and am happy he’s excited about our campaign to lower government spending and reduce the tax burden on Illinois families,” Murphy said. Primary elections will take place next February, with a general election in November 2010.
The Register-Mail
December 1, 2009
