Rep. Brady seeks to make lemonade from lemons as Democratic governor takes control

Posted on November 12, 2018

By Howard Packowitz

BLOOMINGTON – Fresh from winning re-election, long-time Republican State Rep. Dan Brady of Bloomington said Monday he’s extending the hand of friendship to Democratic Governor-elect J.B. Pritzker.

Brady said he’s worked with Democratic governors before and he’ll try to do it again.

“I’ve been able to do things in the 105th District by knowing that I’m in the minority here in Springfield. I’ll be further in the minority in Springfield when the new session starts. However, when you get dealt a lemon, you’ve got to try to make lemonade out of it,” Brady said during an appearance on WJBC’s Scott Miller Show.

Brady said his participation in a working group dealing with higher education funding shows he’s willing to work across the aisle.

The funding formula for Illinois’ public universities, including Illinois State University, will be a focus of the working group going into the next General Assembly, according to Brady, who’s as Minority Whip holds the number two position among House Republicans.

Brady was re-elected last week, defeating Democrat Benjamin Webb to win the seat representing the 105th District, which includes the eastern portions of Bloomington-Normal, Lexington, Chenoa, and Fairbury. Brady was also able to fend off a primary challenge from the Republican right last Spring.

Brady said voters picked him because they feel he’s approachable, responsive, and a good listener.

Howard Packowitz can be reached at [email protected]

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