Senators Righter, Rose Endorse Murphy for Lieutenant Governor
12/18/2009
MATTOON — State Sen. Dale Righter and state Rep. Chapin Rose both have endorsed Matt Murphy’s candidacy for the Republican nomination for lieutenant governor.
Murphy is running as a team with Andrew McKenna, candidate for governor, but voters select candidates separately in the primary.
Righter, R-Mattoon, said Thursday that neither he nor Rose is backing a Republican candidate for governor as two Republican state senators, Kirk Dillard and Bill Brady, also are running for the state’s highest spot.
“I tend to think a mix of public and private experience is good,” Righter said of Murphy, a resident of suburban Palatine. “Matt has served in the Senate since 2007. He can articulate a message and is knowledgeable on the issues.
“Matt has a core set of beliefs about what government should and should not be doing. I think we need someone like that,” said Righter, R-Mattoon.
Rose, R-Mahomet, had similar comments.
“I believe he is the right candidate with the ideas to turn Illinois around,” said Rose, a Charleston native. “As a Senator, he works tirelessly to offer creative, economically sound alternatives for Illinois’s future.”
Murphy said improving the state’s jobs record and budget will be his priorities if he is elected.
“Illinois has one of the worst jobs records because it is such an unstable environment,” Murphy said in a Thursday swing that included Champaign, Monticello, Tuscola and Mattoon.
“We’ve got to bring stability to the budget and make it easier for people to succeed here.”
Murphy said elected state officials need to “start rebuilding the relationship” with the people of Illinois after the back-to-back administrations of Gov. george Ryan and Gov. Rod Blagojevich.
Murphy believes he can help improve Illinois’ budget problems without a tax increase.
“Just saying that is not enough,” he said. “I understand that.”
Murphy said there is too much power in too few people — the governor and legislative leaders.
He said the state’s executives should give some of that power back to the state representatives and senators who were elected by the people. He also favors term limits on House and Senate leadership positions and supports efforts to revise how legislative districts are drawn.
Although Murphy is from the Chicago area, he said endorsements from legislators such as Righter and Rose, indicate that he has earned their respect.
“It shows I am willing to listen to (Downstate) problems,” he said.
Righter said improving economic policies in the state will benefit Downstate residents.
“Bad policies in terms of the economy hurt the entire state,” he said. “But those in the suburbs may not be as aware because it’s still crowded. It’s a bigger deal Downstate.”
Murphy is a practicing attorney in Chicago. He and his wife, Julie, have four children and live in Palatine.
