Mr. Pat Brady, in his Oct. 26 letter, says Republicans have learned from the past and that getting Illinois' house in order and a transparent government that serves the people is their top priority. The Republican Party's top priority should be to get its own house in order before attempting to clean up the state's.

Former Gov. Ryan is in jail. He and James Thompson are responsible for Build Illinois and Illinois First. Both issuing bonds for which we are still paying. A botched primary after Jim Ryan, the winner, withdrew and Alan Keyes from Maryland was recruited over the other primary candidates. And most recently, Tom Cross, Christine Radogno and all but two Republicans voted for HB 723, which does nothing but protect incumbent Republicans along with their Democratic buddies. It doesn't sound like the Republicans are interested or capable of any true reforms.

He mentions nothing regarding the gerrymandering of legislative districts to protect their positions. Nor is there any mention regarding ballot access restrictions to keep challengers off the ballot. The only reforms the Republicans are interested in is taking away the Democratic majority. That way they can reward their friends, contributors and family members with the taxpayers' dollars. This is no reform, just a change of power brokers.

Dan Kairis

South Elgin