Politics Today: Pat O'Malley

By: Krystle Russin

When State Sen. Pat O'Malley (R-18th District) was asked about his law career during this interview, he responded, "I have never stopped practicing law and intend to continue doing so for the rest of my life." Unless he is elected governor.

O'Malley just finished a gubernatorial campaign, gaining most of his support in Illinois' towns and rural communities - over 250,000 votes. Although he may have lost the Republican primary this time, the state senator plans to make another attempt in 2006.

"I view this defeat as a temporary setback," he said in a letter to his supporters. "The principles we talked about in this campaign transcend any single election and the fight must go on."

And he is still trying to continue that fight, except in the state legislature. Here, O'Malley speaks out on the campaign and the current race for governor.


Q: In your opinion, what is the best way for young people to become involved in politics?
A: The best way to get involved in politics as a young person is to actively volunteer for candidates and/or issues you believe in. In that way a young person can learn the nuts and bolts of campaigning, and at the same time make a difference in matters of particular interest to him or her.

Q: How is your current office as state senator different than other political offices you have or may one day hold? Also, how has it affected private life?
A: As state Senator, my primary responsibilities include public policy development within the legislative branch of state government. I also provide services to individual constituents based on their inquiries. In particular, I work closely with local officials in an assistive capacity. The other offices I have held were local in nature. For example, I served as a trustee of our local Protection Fire District for nine years and as a trustee of our local Community College for 3 years. The public policies one deals with in local offices tend to be focused more narrowly than at the state level. Also, local office holders often perform both legislative and executive tasks. What other offices I may one day hold are to be determined by future events. I enjoy public service and will continue to remain actively involved in public affairs. Public service is very demanding on one's personal time and intrusive into one's personal life. Fortunately, my family is very supportive of my public service commitment. Mary Judith is a tremendous campaigner in her own right, and often appears in my place and speaks on my behalf.

Q: When campaigning earlier this year, you introduced several plans and initiatives to voters. Which one do you feel was the most important issue to Illinoisans and why?
A: I campaigned during the Republican Primary Election about many issues including economic opportunity, education, criminal justice reform, protecting innocent human life, preserving the 'American Dream' and the need to restore the confidence of Illinois citizens in state government. I believe restoring confidence in Illinois government was and remains the most important issue to Illinois citizens. In fact the indictments announced following the Primary Election have made citizens even more focused on the issue. Just as good government is good politics, corrupt government is bad politics and results in poor public policy, higher taxes and less economic opportunity.

Q: What is your goal for the Veterans Leadership Program? How did you get started with it?
A: Assisting veterans has always been one of my favorite charitable endeavors. Veterans and their families have sacrificed much, even their lives in order to protect and defend our freedoms. America owes them a deep debt of gratitude. The Veterans Leadership Program provides valuable services for veterans in many ways, in particular through job training.

Q: In your opinion, how has the State Senate changed since you were first elected to it?
A: Since being elected to the Illinois Senate, I believe it has become more effective in developing sound public policy. The Senate has always had a reputation of being the "more responsible" Chamber, and I believe this reputation has been strengthened in recent years by the newer members who came to the Senate in January 1993, bringing with them fresh ideas and tremendous enthusiasm. In the process, the newer members have challenged the status quo and brought about positive change.

Q: You mentioned that you were planning to run again in 2006. What changes will you make to your platform, and how would it affect young people?
A: My 2002 campaign for the Republican nomination for Governor of Illinois was about a vision for Illinois' future based on fostering economic opportunity and quality education, protecting innocent human life, preserving the 'American Dream' and restoring confidence in state government. In fact this vision is all about young people as it directly impacts and positively affects their lives and that of their families. The bottom line is that the American vision has always been about each generation's responsibility to preserve the 'American Dream' for the next generation. This vision will always be welcome in America, and will most certainly be welcome in Illinois in 2006. The challenge we are facing today with the youth of America is no different than the past; we must encourage young people to have confidence in candidates, participate actively in the political process, and support those who share this vision with them.

Q: What are your thoughts on the current race for governor, and with Jim Ryan belonging to your party, what do you see for his administration if elected?
A: It would be presumptuous of me to speak for Jim Ryan. It is my fervent hope that his administration will champion the principles of the Republican Party by putting them into action in the Office of Governor. I hope Mr. Ryan will respect the role of the legislative branch and encourage the members of both the House and the Senate to be fiercely independent representatives for their constituents. He can accomplish this best by instituting an open door policy with all the members. This will help him to be a better Governor and allow the members to do a better job on behalf of their constituents.

 

Krystle Russin writes for The State Journal-Register(IL) and contributes political articles/interviews to several publications including PurePolitics.com.