A vote for Sente is a vote for Mike Madigan

Incumbent Democratic state Rep. Carol Sente claims to be "fiercely independent," even though she voted for Michael Madigan for House speaker every time, voted for his agenda 98 percent of the time, and gladly accepted over $1 million in Madigan campaign contributions the last two election cycles. These facts clearly refute her questionable assertions that she has the "courage to lead" and stand up to her boss in Springfield.

Interestingly, Democrat state Rep. Scott Drury from Highwood has declined any contributions from Madigan to date. The burning question to ask is if Carol Sente is so "independent" why wouldn't she refuse Madigan money like Drury has done? To the contrary, Sente just added another $170,000 to her campaign coffers in the past two weeks from Madigan and the Democratic Party. This money trail doesn't seem very independent to me. Instead it seems like the same old partisan politics with votes bought and paid for and favors pending.

I hope the voters of the 59th District will wise up and realize Carol Sente says one thing but does another. Her actions don't match her rhetoric. She should be held accountable once and for all for voting herself a pay raise, voting for unbalanced budgets and raising the debt ceiling. She should be held accountable for empowering Madigan with the considerable control of the speakership. A vote for Sente is a vote for Madigan. It is time to dethrone the king and limit his power. It's time for change.

Kara J. Slusser

Buffalo Grove