Dan Caulkins cautions the Democratic majority not to "become too liberal."
Dan Caulkins cautions the Democratic majority not to "become too liberal."
Dan Caulkins believes it will take a village to rescue Illinois from financial problems.
“My first order of business is to reach out to other first-time state representatives and start building relationships on both sides of the aisle while establishing trust and bonds,” Caulkins told the South Central Reporter.
Caulkins scored a convincing victory Tuesday against Democrat Jen McMillin capturing 70 percent of the vote in the 101st District. “It’s going to take a lot of work, but much can be done if we work together on a common goal of making Illinois prosperous again.”
Caulkins said he saw his victory as an affirmation of his campaign priorities and platform.
“We need to get spending under control and government needs to live within its means if we’re going to turn this state around,” he said. “My single focus is about making this state prosperous again and finding a path to get to a truly balanced budget.”
A former Decatur city councilman, Caulkins marveled at how the campaign played out.
“It was a very interesting experience to say the least,” he said. “I’ve helped a lot of people run for office, but have never done anything on this level on my own. It took a lot of strategizing and even relying on my military background to bring things together.”
Caulkins said he only wishes Republicans could have done better across the board, including in the governor’s race where incumbent Gov. Bruce Rauner fell to Democrat billionaire J.B. Pritzker.
“Rauner’s loss is disappointing beyond words,” he said. “I’ve always found him to be a decent guy and believe he’s done a lot of good things for Illinois despite all the obstacles. He’s got a lot to be proud of.”
As for the prospect of a leadership team headed by Pritzker and longtime House Speaker Michael Madigan (D-Chicago), Caulkins maintains a cautious tone.
“It’s going to be an interesting time and I think the problem a lot of Democrats will face is battling not to become too liberal and putting forth anything they want without any restraint. I think that could easily lead to a backlash.”
The 101st House District spans parts of Champaign, DeWitt, Macon, McLean and Piatt counties.
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