Lisa Madigan

Candidate for: Attorney General of Illinois
Election Date: November 7, 2006

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The Candidate

Lisa Madigan, 39, is the current Attorney General of Illinois and is now running for re-election. Although Madigan, the daughter of state Democratic Party Chairman Mike Madigan, could have easily relied on her family's political connections to achieve success, she has instead independently made a name for herself as a champion of the people in her work as Attorney General.

After graduating from college, Madigan traveled to South Africa, where she was a volunteer high school teacher in apartheid-era South Africa. Before becoming an attorney, she worked as a teacher and community advocate on Chicago's west side, helping prevent children from becoming involved in gangs and drugs. In 1998, Madigan ran successfully for a Chicago State Senate seat. She followed that victory up by winning the Attorney General's race in 2002, beating out longtime prosecutor Joe Birkett, by promising to be an advocate for the people. In 2005, Madigan, who is married to cartoonist Pat Byrnes, became the first female Attorney General and the first Illinois official to give birth while in office. She and her husband have one daughter.

The Illinois Attorney General position is being fought over issues of maintaining integrity in government and keeping the state safe for everyone. Polls show that corruption is an important issue this cycle as many past transgressions by Illinois officials are fresh in voter's minds. The continued crackdown on methamphetamine providers and users is another serious issue in a state that is facing a problem of endemic levels. The important issues in this race are a continuation of Madigan's past accomplishments a in both of these areas along with new measures to maintain the protection of Illinois' children and families.

Corruption: One of the largest issues in Illinois this cycle will be corruption. With the George Ryan indictment fresh in the rearview mirror, as well as other smaller allegations against Mayor Daley in Chicago and Governor Blagojevich, in addition to certain fundraisers and consultants, Illinois voters want to be assured that the state's leadership will be focused on helping to clean up not only the way the government operates but also the state's image. Lisa Madigan believes that an open, honest and accountable government is the cornerstone of a democracy and can only be achieved through the free and open exchange of information between government and its citizens.

Methamphetamine: Illinois faces a serious methamphetamine epidemic that Lisa Madigan has fought vigorously. In her capacity as Attorney General, Madigan led the effort to completely rewrite the laws that deal with methamphetamines to make them easier for police, prosecutors and judges to use and interpret. She drafted and advocated for legislation that makes it harder to buy key methamphetamine ingredients, and that increases the penalties for those who prepare and sell methamphetamines. As Attorney General she even convicted the state's most notorious methamphetamine dealer, known as the 'Meth Magician, to 22 years in prison.

Protecting Families and Consumers: Lisa Madigan refers to herself as 'the people's lawyer' and as part of that commitment, her reign as Attorney General has established numerous civic programs such as the Youth Advocacy Initiative, a project that focuses on juvenile justice and youth advocacy. In addition, she created a number of programs designed to keep kids safe including "Surf Safe: Navigating the Hidden Dangers of the Internet," and a teen dating violence education campaign. In her reelection campaign she is focusing on specific items such as fair utility bills, reasonable prescription drug plans, and fair lending practices among others.

The Race

Lisa Madigan's experience as Attorney General and track record of accomplishments make her a strong candidate against the challenger Stewart Umholtz. Despite facing a more qualified candidate for the office in 2002, Madigan's message carried the day with her promise to serve as an advocate for the people. That is exactly what she has done while in office and she has worked hard to combat identity theft, crack down on sex offenders, and methamphetamine production.

Madigan does enter the race with a financial advantage over Umholtz. Umholtz, who spent over 20 years as a prosecutor and legal advisor, has proven himself to be an energetic candidate and a formidable candidate. However, Madigan's support is deep and wide. The Chicago Sun Times remarked Madigan's popularity was the "most interesting political item to tuck away for present and future use..." Though it is late in the cycle, this is exactly when additional funds are necessary for 'get out the vote' events and additional press coverage.

Why CNM Supports Lisa Madigan

Illinois is a hotbed of Democratic talent from its two highly respected senators to its congresspersons and state executives. Lisa Madigan is near the top of that list. Her dedication to public service as well as her history of accomplishments in the Attorney Generals' office makes her an ideal candidate for Illinois and for future higher office. And though Illinois may seem like a solidly held democratic state, the right Republican in Illinois can enjoy a solid level of success. In fact, Republican Governors held the state from 1977 to 2002. Now is not the time for Illinois Democrats to rest on laurels; instead voters should actively support Democratic candidates who show promise and enough fight to be a champion for the people. Lisa Madigan is undeniably such a candidate.

Support Lisa Madigan for Attorney General of Illinois

CNM believes that Lisa Madigan is the right choice for Illinois Attorney General and is a rising star in the ranks of the Democratic Party. CNM is proud to endorse Lisa Madigan and encourage you to give her your support.

Attn: Michael Fertik

Campaign for National Majority
251 W. 89th St. #7D
New York, NY 10024