Rock Island Today

Francisco Cruz “Keko” Martinez doesn’t want any baggage to stand in the way of how he serves his constituents.

“I haven’t taken contributions or money from any individual because I don’t want to be beholden to anyone,” Martinez told the Rock Island Today. “I’m a servant of the people who’s proud to say I’ve always left a place better than I found it. Career politicians like Mike Madigan can’t say that.”

Madigan’s dealings have come under even greater scrutiny after Illinois News Network (INN) reported the longtime House speaker recently accepted a $768,000 campaign contribution from the American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees union (AFSCME) at a time when he is running for re-election in the 22nd District unopposed.

Gerry Bustos

“The union wouldn’t give money like that without benefiting in some way,” said Martinez, running for Rock Island County Sheriff against Democratic incumbent Gerry Bustos. “To give Mike Madigan nearly $1 million is to say you expect to receive a lot more because he controls the state’s purse.”

AFSCME’s gift to Madigan represents the largest the organization has ever given to him and comes at a time when the union remains locked in contentious contract negotiations with Gov. Bruce Rauner. Wirepoints reports the two are as much as $3 billion apart in counter offers.

More recently, Madigan dished out more than $2 million to the campaigns of 25 House candidates on the ballot in November, raising even more eyebrows over the House Speaker's wheeling and dealing.

“In his world, money is power and him handing out money like this is all about him retaining his power base,” Martinez added.

“Personally, I think it should be illegal for candidates to take money from anyone outside the community they're running in. Determining who gets to represent a district should be left up to the people of that district.”