The power brokers are pulling out all the stops to make sure Illinois voters don't call for a constitutional convention on Nov. 4. We've already been warned lobbyists would be a major force in any con-con (like they don't currently have influence among lawmakers?). Now, the opponents are aiming for our pocketbooks.
Like Chicken Little, these special interest folks are saying a constitutional convention would cost more than $100 million at a time when the state is lucky it can afford blacktop to patch potholes. Except, the non-partisan Legislative Research Unit figures the cost to be between $14 million to $23 million. That's less than $2 for every Illinoisan. It costs that much for a good latte these days. It doesn't even buy a good-sized bag of chewy bones for The Hound.
Regardless of the cost, it would be worth it to get rid of "pay to play" politics in the state and have recall provisions for public officials. Actually, The Hound has a whole plethora of causes a con-con can address --- including life sentences for those who practice dog fighting --- but the wish list can wait until after voters make the right move to improve this state and make the con-con call.
It's either that or keep letting them pass out political bon bons --- let alone plums --- to friends, contributors and fellow players. You make the call.
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