Kankakee Times

Newly-elected state Rep. Jackie Haas’ (R- District 79) pride is still beaming through following her runaway win over Democrat Charlene Eads in the 79th District.

“Thank you so much for your vote and overwhelming confidence in me to represent you in Springfield,” Haas said after netting nearly 63% of the vote and earning the right to replace outgoing Republican State Rep. Lindsay Parkhurst, who was seeking a judgeship within the Kankakee County Circuit Court.

A current Kankakee County Board member, Haas said, “I am excited and look forward to this opportunity to further advocate for the 79th District."

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A three decades long resident of the community, Haas said she is committed to making sure businesses in the district have a shot at being made whole after being forced into shutdown mode during the ongoing COVID-19 crisis.  

“We need to ensure economic stability for businesses in the community,” she told The Daily-Journal.

Haas made the issue of ethics reform a central part of her campaign, at one point demanding that Eads join her and a growing number of others in Springfield, in calling for embattled House Speaker Mike Madigan to step down.

The longest-serving lawmaker in state history, Madigan now finds himself at the center of a still unfolding federal corruption probe involving ComEd and a pay-for-play scheme where the utility giant is accused of funneling bribes to several of his close associates in exchange for favorable legislation.  

“For too long, Illinoisans have felt powerless, but now we have an opportunity to chart a new path forward,” said Haas in a statement.

“That’s why I’m calling on Speaker Madigan to resign immediately and I’m asking my opponent to join me. We hear a lot of empty words from Springfield politicians, but this is personal for me. It’s time we repair the foundation of Illinois and that starts with ethics reform," said Haas.