The Illinois State Chamber of Commerce has endorsed a candidate for state treasurer for the first time. CEO Todd Maisch says Republican State Representative and former House Minority Leader Tom Cross is best suited to restore fiscal sanity and grow the state economy.
Maisch says the chamber has nothing against Cross’ Democratic opponent, Champaign Senator Mike Frerichs, but says the two candidates’ views on taxation are like night and day, citing ideas that Cross opposes:
“When you’re looking at extension of the income tax, you’re looking at support for a service tax, a progressive income tax, along with a number of other issues, there’s a just a real stark difference between the two candidates, and where they see the state heading.”
Cross and Maish announced the endorsement in Champaign today. Cross says he’s looking to operate the treasurer’s office in non-traditional ways, which includes the launch of an integrity unit that investigates fraud and corruption.