Why are Democrats getting all the heat?

While Illinois Democrats bear the brunt of the attacks over the ongoing budget problems in Illinois, Republican legislators continue to sit on the sidelines planning their 2010 attacks. House Republican leader Tom Cross has ruled with an iron fist, making sure not a single Republican voted for the governor's proposal, though not a single Republican, especially Cross, has offered a solution to the problem.

Republicans forget that Republican Gov. Jim Edgar made a temporary tax hike permanent when he took office. They also forget that George Ryan and Senate President Pate Philip left Illinois with a $3 billion budget deficit. And, they forgot what happened in the Republican stronghold of DuPage County under Republican Chairman Bob Schillerstrom, candidate for governor.

The county faced a $40 million budget deficit just a few years ago. Schillerstrom called for a cut in human services, eliminating more than 200 jobs, and threatened a 20 percent across-the-board cut in every department unless voters agreed to raise taxes. The sales tax increase was set for the ballot when Schillerstrom went to Springfield and begged the Democrats to bail out DuPage. The Democrats obliged by adding language to a bill allowing Schillerstrom to use the tax increase to plug the hole.

Now $50 million richer, Schillerstrom came back to DuPage and told voters to vote "no" on the tax increase. And he wants to be Governor. Let's keep in mind Schillerstrom's hollow promise to pass ethics changes and campaign finance reform. In a May 11 letter, I asked him to indicate any movement he has made toward such reform. Not surprisingly, he didn't even have the courtesy to respond. Why? Because it hasn't happened under his leadership, during which "pay-to-play" thrives. Watch what happens with the stimulus money.

Bob Peickert

chairman, Democratic Party of DuPage County