Days before the election, Senate GOP Leader Christine Radogno's comments about tax increases has conservative Republicans and Tea Party activists hopping mad and discussing a leadership change in the Senate Republican caucus.
In an interview today on WLS radio, Radogno said a tax hike "most certainly will not come anytime soon after the election." And when asked how her perspective and agenda corresponded with GOP gubernatorial candidate Bill Brady's pledge to not raise taxes, Radogno responded that it is her "sincere hope" that Brady will be able to keep his vow, but noted that she has "never been one to say no, never," adding that she's "willing to be convinced we don't need a tax increase."
Brady responded this evening, stating that, “Despite Pat Quinn’s desperate political assertions and wishful thinking, let there be no mistake – a Brady Administration will not raise taxes. Period.”
He went on to say that “A Brady administration will force state government to live within its means, cut taxes, and raise long term revenue by enacting pro-growth economic policies that help create real jobs for families across Illinois.”
It will be interesting to see what the political fallout may be for minority leader Radogno after the election. A whisper campaign to replace her as head of the caucus has been picking up steam for several months; and there's increasing talk about challenging her in her next primary.