IL Chamber Of Commerce Endorses Cross For Treasurer

The Illinois State Chamber of Commerce has endorsed a candidate for state treasurer for the first time, backing State Rep. and former House Republican leader Tom Cross of Oswego.

CEO Todd Maisch said 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’ opponent, Champaign Senator Mike Frerichs (D-Champaign), 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 said 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.

Maisch tells The Associated Press the organization has only endorsed congressional candidates in recent years but feels the need to "engage across a broader spectrum of government.'' 
 
He said the group chose the treasurer's race because of the expanding role of the office in Illinois' business community.  He said endorsements of other statewide candidates are possible.
 
The Cross campaign formally announced the Cross endorsement Thursday with stops in Springfield and Champaign.