By Adam Studzinski

BLOOMINGTON – State Rep. Dan Brady (R-Bloomington) said President Obama “kept the grass cut even” while speaking to Illinois lawmakers Wednesday in Springfield.

“He didn’t go one side or the other,” said Brady. “He what’s good for Democrats, sometimes, is bad for Republicans. What’s good for Republicans (can be) bad for Democrats. We all have to find that common place and balance these things out.”

Brady added standing up for something against your party doesn’t make you a traitor.

“It means that you’re trying to do what people want to see done,” Brady said.

Brady wasn’t sure if the president’s speech will help resolve the budget stalemate, but said “it never hurts to try.”

“The reality is that some of the points he hit, hit home to all of us. There were painful points at times, but the reality is he’s been there. He’s walked the walk and we have to come together and get this budget process done,” Brady said.

State Sen. Bill Brady (R-Bloomington) said Obama gave legislators a lot to think about. He hoped lawmakers will take what was said to heart.

“Realize that we’ve got a lot of people in Illinois who are hurting and they are depending on us to work this out,” Bill Brady said.

State Sen. Jason Barickman (R-Bloomington) said this was an “awesome day for Illinois.”

“I think a great event for the institution of our state and our state capitol,” Barickman said.

Barickman explained it will take more than a speech to create bipartisanship.

“It needs to be an attitude that’s embraced by both sides of the aisle,” said Barickman. “We need that in Illinois. More than probably ever, we need that today.”

Barickman said hopefully attitudes will begin to change soon.

Adam Studzinski can be reached at [email protected].