South West Illinois News

David Friess has never been one to shy away from tough challenges.

Friess is on record asserting that he believes Illinois is a broken state; and to those who know the Air Force veteran who served in Operation Desert Storm best, that all serves as code for him being ready to go to battle.

Friess, a Red Bud Republican vying for the seat held by Rep. Jerry Costello (D-Smithton) in the 116th House District, is running on a platform of less taxes, more jobs, less spending, term limits and an end to the reign of longtime House Speaker Mike Madigan (D-Chicago).

“For the past several months I’ve been getting out in the 116th District and listening to voters at their door step,” Friess said in a post on his website. “I heard their frustration and despair at the dysfunction that is our state Capitol. I also heard their anger at career politicians and their role in destroying Illinois. They know I am running to do something about it.”

Friess said his plan for change starts with ousting Costello, who he insists stands as one of Madigan’s staunchest supporters in Springfield.

“Mike Madigan has spent 46 years reigning over the financial destruction of our once proud state,” Friess said. “Jerry Costello supports Mike Madigan at the start of every new session. Mike Madigan supports Jerry Costello during election time. Meanwhile, southern Illinois loses. I have made it my mission to break up this unholy alliance so that southern Illinois can thrive out from underneath the thumb of the Chicago machine.”

Friess said he finds motivation for his run from thinking of his two children.

“It’s time we had someone stand up to hear our concerns, to be our voice, and to fight for us,” he added on his website.

Friess has also vowed to fight to roll back the 32 percent income tax hike that was enacted as part of the state budget passed last summer. He said he finds it odd that Illinois is one of the most heavily taxed states in the country yet has a history of not being able to afford to pay its bills.

“Every family knows that you cannot spend more than you take in,” he added. “Why doesn’t Springfield learn a lesson from us? The future viability of this state and region is dependent on growing our economy and creating good-paying jobs. Illinois must become competitive with surrounding states by becoming more business friendly instead of being openly hostile to job creators.”