Top Illinois Republicans: ‘No more debt’

The message from Illinois’ top Republicans is a short one – no more debt.

The state’s top fiscal officers and the two Republican legislative leaders held a news conference at a Springfield hotel in advance of Republican Day festivities at the Illinois State Fair. Treasurer Dan Rutherford says his office’s white paper – “No More Debt” has been flying out of his fairgrounds tent, an indication the general public is getting the message about the state’s financial woes.

Rutherford, Comptroller Judy Baar Topinka, House Minority Leader Tom Cross (R-Oswego), and Senate Minority Leader Christine Radogno (R-Lemont) reacted to Gov. Pat Quinn’s recent interest in increased borrowing. They say the state’s bond and pension indebtedness is now $119 billion.