Q&A with Mulligan

1. Why are you running for this office, whether for re-election or election the first time? Is there a particular issue that motivates you, and if so, what? What will be your main priority?

I am running for re-election because there are many issues locally and statewide that need to be addressed where I have both the knowledge and historical perspective to make a difference. I currently tackle tough statewide policy issues with great success using my extensive budget expertise combined with a valuable reputation for integrity, honesty and fearlessness. For 14 years I have been the Republican spokesman for Human Service Appropriations and a negotiator for those issues for my caucus. My opponent can neither match that expertise nor my ability to bring all sides of an issue together. Only a small group of legislators show any inclination to do this type of work. With Illinois in turmoil, due to Democratic infighting and lack of leadership on managing statewide finances, we need to elect legislators like myself who are motivated more by issues than politics if we intend to fight our way out of this black hole. My main priority would be a balanced budget that addresses prior obligations and current needs in a fair and equitable manner before moving forward with new programs. In order to do that, we need an honest assessment of current state agencies' finances to determine our actual needs.

2. If you are an incumbent, describe your main contributions. Tell us of important initiatives you've led. If you are not an incumbent, tell us what contributions you would make.

As an incumbent, I have passed both key legislation and made main contributions in public policy. Locally, I have led the fight for property tax reform, flood remediation funding, assistance for repair of aging infrastructure and funding for local schools. I have worked to assist our local human service providers grow, and remain solvent, as the state doesn't pay their bills in a timely manner, so they can continue to provide valuable services to our communities. I serve as our caucus' team member for most human service and health care task forces to examine the issue's funding side along other members who serve for the discussion of the actual issue. It makes for an intense schedule. I spent months as the only House Republican negotiator on implementation of fee-for-service. I helped draft the state memorandums of understanding for the developmentally disabled, adult and children's mental health, and substance abuse service providers. I worked on the early intervention service policies. I am on the Governor's Senior Pharmaceutical Board and passed legislation for Illinois' wrap around services for Medicare Part "D", among the best in the country. These are just a few things where I have made a contribution on the policy side. Legislatively, I sponsored and passed laws that allow women to choose an OB/GYN as their primary care provider or have one visit a year without referral (and it is one of the few laws in the country that challenge ERISSA; it applies to all insurance). I outlawed drive-thru mastectomies and made female genital mutilation a felony before it appeared on Oprah I passed legislation that is now a model nationwide on emergency rooms mandatory communication to rape victims regarding emergency contraceptives. The 1-800- gambler number and training of counselors for gambling addiction is from legislation I passed. These are just a few.

3. Under what circumstances, if any, would you support raising the state income or sales tax? Please explain.

Currently I could not support raising taxes because the state's financial situation is extremely murky. We no longer have a clear picture of what financial policies are in force, how money is actually being spent or where agencies have committed dollars. Democratic state leaders are only concerned with arguing with each other and not good public policy for the state. This was clearly demonstrated in this year's state budget fiasco, the worst in the 16 years I have been in office. These policies are already imploding and dismantling the state's human service provider system. We need leadership that can rationally prioritize obligations and future needs before we can move forward with reforms and ask the public's approval for further funding of state priorities. Taxpayers have a right to know up front what their money is being used to finance. Add poor Democratic Cook County leadership of finances in our area and you only compound the problems. The current national situation makes the possibilities of Federal monies for states unclear and the economics of any taxing need to be thoroughly examined.

4. Do you support the expansion of gambling by adding slot machines at racetracks? Do you favor licensing and building new casinos? Please explain.

I do not support gaming expansion. I think it is poor public policy that actually costs taxpayers more in the long run than it raises in revenue. Studies indicate that for every dollar we raise in revenue we expend three on the social service side of the equation. The only problem is that it seems a simple way to raise money to the public and the capital needs have not been addressed for too long making them more expensive.

5. Would you support giving voters the ability to recall elected officials?

I support the voters ability to recall elected officials if it is crated to avoid misuse for political reasons. I think it has some merit to have elected officials know that the public has some way of dealing with outlandish actions that are detrimental to the public good besides current punishment for illegal actions.

6. Did you support the suburban tax increases that were used to keep the public transportation trains and buses running without cuts or fare increases?

Yes, I along with all the northwest suburban legislators supported the public transportation reforms and assistance to keep fares reasonable. We certainly did not expect the Governor to throw off the funding formula by adding free fares. I do think it is a good example of bi-partisan discussion and support for issues that impact all the public we represent. With the increase in gasoline prices and the increase in riders, it seems to have been a reasonable solution.

7. If you are elected, will you vote for the current party leader of your legislative chamber? Why or why not?

If elected I would vote again for Tom Cross for Republican Leader. Tom has been a state leader with a rational voice in the ongoing heated personality battles among Democratic leaders that have caused the current budget crisis and lack of capital funding. He has an open door policy with his caucus members and truly listens to what our caucus members want to do. He reflects my moderate stand on many issues and he was elected when our caucus changed leadership and we reformed our caucus rules. We have the most progressive caucus rules of any caucus. It impacts how our additional leaders are designated, some elected, and how long our leader can serve. Add to all this that his children are too young to run for governor and you have a real winner.

8. What do you think of the idea, widely circulated, of impeaching Gov. Blagojevich?

By the time we impeach the governor, he will be up for re-election and I believe the people will replace him. The threats of impeachment serve several purposes. One it shows the legislators recognize the total outrage of the people over the Governor's outrageous behavior and mismanagement since the proceedings start in the House. Two, it allows Democratic leaders to push the blame for their inability to govern on him totally as opposed to their mismanagement and distract the public from other issues. Three, if he should be indicted, I don't think the court process will work fast enough to have a verdict before reelection; but if he were found guilty before reelection, impeachment would be warranted immediately.