The Moline Dispatch/Argus endorsed Jonathan Wallace, Republican candidate for State Representative.

The Dispatch/Argus praised Wallace's experience and expertise:

"Mr. Wallace, who was home-schooled while growing up in Port Byron and studied political science and economics at Augustana College, demonstrated an astute awareness and knowledge of important issues facing the state. He also was not afraid to speak out about the need for ethics reform and to end the culture of corruption and the good old boy network in Springfield."

Jonathan Wallace is the endorsed Republican for State Representative. The Chicago Tribune and the Illinois Home School PAC endorsed Wallace earlier this week.

"I am thankful for the endorsement of the Dispatch/Argus," stated Jonathan Wallace. "These endorsements and our incredible grassroots network give us the edge that we need, so that we can begin to make Illinois a better place for job creation and the next generation."

Democrat's Budget rewards politicians who raised taxes

Rock Island... Last January, Democrat Governor Pat Quinn and Representative Pat Verschoore pushed through a 67% increase in the state's income tax, now they feel they deserve a pay raise.  Based upon the budget introduced by Governor Quinn, legislators and the Governor himself would receive thousands in new pay raises and that is out-of-line and out-of-touch according to Jonathan Wallace, Republican candidate for State Representative.

"Raising taxes to pay for politician's lofty salaries is unacceptable and tone deaf to the issues facing working families," Wallace stated.  "Illinois faces nearly $9 billion in unpaid bills, a number that could grow to over $20 billion in a few short years and yet the Democrat budget is prepared to spend thousands on pay raises for legislators and even the Governor."

Further examination of the Governor's proposal has uncovered pay increases for the State's constitutional officers and legislators, including the Governor's own salary.  Under the proposal Governor Quinn would see his salary jump by $1,600 to $179,100.  In all, the proposal includes over $250,000 in pay increases for these elected officials, which is nearly $1 million dollars higher than it was in FY2011.  

The Governor's proposal stands in direct contrast to Wallace's plan to cut the salary of all Illinois House Representatives by 25%.

"I signed a 'Contract with the 72nd',  in which I pledged to take a 25% salary cut and author legislation requiring other legislators to do the same. The average family in Illinois paid over $1,000 more in taxes last year, but the Governor and legislators would use that tax money to provide themselves with pay raises," Wallace added.  "While the Governor talks about shared sacrifice, it seems the only people sacrificing are those paying for the politicians pay raises."

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Rock Island, IL - January 24, 2012 - Jonathan Wallace, candidate for State Representative in the 72nd District, released the follow statement about fourth quarter fundraising totals:

"While we formed our committee after all the other challengers, we are proud to report the most individual contributors," said Wallace. "Numerous individual contributors and in-kind donations show a great multitude of people contributing rather than a few special interests."

Wallace raised $10,992.04, $7300 in-kind contributions and $3692.04 in total receipts.  Of the total receipts $2442.04 are contributions under $250.

"Two-thirds of our receipts have come from small, grassroots contributions," said Rafe Thrasher, Treasurer for Wallace for Illinois.  "The demographics of our contributors show that people are clearly fed up with Pat Verschoore and his tax increases."

Wallace added, "Our grassroots organization has become a well-oiled machine with a campaign office, staff, and an extensive volunteer list. We will continue to raise money to spread our message of individual liberty and fiscal responsibility in a State sorely lacking in both."

Jonathan Wallace is the new person running for State Representative in the 72nd District.

For more information about Wallace visit http://www.jonathanwallace2012.com.

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Wallace: "Illinois has fallen into a debt spiral..."

Rock Island, IL...Jonathan Wallace, candidate for State Representative in the 72nd District, released the following statement after Moody downgrades Illinois bond rating again:

"This news is disappointing, but not surprising. Illinois has fallen into a debt spiral, and career politicians like Pat Verschoore choose to hide their heads in the sand and ignore the problem. The downgrade, coupled with unfunded pension and retiree healthcare benefits, will result in more unpaid bills. We need to start having an adult conversation about our budget priorities in Illinois or we will continue to spiral downwards towards financial ruin.

"The voters of the 72nd District are paying attention, and they're tired of failed policies in Springfield. We deserve better and I am committed to reforming spending and finding new ways to save money for the sake of the next generation. When elected next November, I will make balancing the budget and restoring our state's credit rating my top priority."

Jonathan Wallace is running for State Representative in the 72nd District. Wallace is a former Township trustee who founded his own small business and has worked in the Illinois House.

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