Dan Ugaste for State Representative

A Voice of Reason in a Time of Extremism

Press Releases

Dan Ugaste Campaign Committee Invites All Citizens To Attend Fundraiser September 22nd

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For Immediate Release: September 19, 2022
Contact: Dan Ugaste
Campaign Phone: 847.595.0522

GENEVA, ILLINOIS – The Citizens For Ugaste campaign committee is inviting all members of the general public to join us to help provide financial and moral support for State Representative Dan Ugaste in his efforts to seek a third term in office representing us in the state capitol.

To get tickets or donate in advance, please visit www.UgasteForIllinois.com and click on UPCOMING EVENTS.

WHO: FRIENDS, NEIGHBORS & SUPPORTERS
WHAT: RAISING FUNDS TO SUPPORT DAN UGASTE
WHEN: THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 22ND FROM 5:00 PM TO 6:30 PM
WHERE: PENROSE BREWING COMPANY
509 STEVENS STREET, GENEVA, ILLLINOIS
WHY: BECAUSE ILLINOIS GOVERNMENT NEEDS ADULT SUPERVISION

COST: $50 Per Person
$75 Per Couple

All Tickets Will Be Held At The Door.
Email RSVP To: maureen@redleaderstrategies.com

Paid For By Citizens For Dan Ugaste. A copy of our report filed with the State Board of Elections
is or will be available on the Board’s official website at www.elections.il.gov or for
purchase from the State Board of Elections, Springfield, Illinois.”

Chicago Tribune Endorses Dan Ugaste

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Republican incumbent Dan Ugaste of Geneva has a good counterpoint to the argument by many Democrats that Michael Madigan should step down as House Speaker and state Democratic Party chairman only if he is convicted of allegations stemming from the ongoing ComEd bribery scandal. “This is not a court of law,” Ugaste says. “This is about good, ethical leadership in government at a time when it is desperately needed.”

Ugaste is endorsed over Democrat Martha Paschke of Geneva.

Chicago Tribune: October 7, 2020

As Marine Storms Madigan’s Bluff – Ugaste Demands Transparency From Paschke

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As Marine Storms Madigan’s Bluff – Ugaste Demands Transparency From Paschke

GENEVA, ILLINOIS – More than four days ago, former U.S. Marine and current Democrat Illinois State Representative Stephanie Kifowit (D-84) announced her candidacy to become the new Speaker of the Illinois House of Representatives, setting up the first challenge from a Democrat to Speaker Madigan in recent memory. Since the beginning of her candidacy, State Representative Dan Ugaste has called on Democrat Martha Paschke to state whether she will vote for Michael Madigan to be Speaker for another term if Paschke is elected, and whether she will vote for his rules which provide him with complete control over all matters in the Capitol. Paschke has repeatedly refused to tell the people of the 65th District what she will do.

“Stephanie Kifowit is doing exactly what we would expect of a Marine, she is directly attacking the well-fortified stronghold of the Speaker who has clung to power far too long. The only question now is whether fellow Democrats will join her fight to finally get rid of Mike Madigan,” said Ugaste. “And the only question now for the people of the 65th District is whether Paschke will vote for the Speaker to retain power and keep Illinois drowning in the morass of the status quo or help the State move forward. The people of the district know that I will never vote for Mike Madigan to be Speaker. They have a right to know what Paschke will do. She needs to be transparent. No longer can she, hide behind the often used statement, ‘Let’s see who is going to run’.”

And since Paschke has refused to answer this question from Ugaste at every forum and joint interview they have attended together, Ugaste is calling on the press to confront Paschke and not let her off the hook as to her vote for the Speaker.

Madigan is on track to funnel $2 million to the political fund of Ugaste’s Democrat opponent Martha Paschke in an effort to pack the Illinois House Democratic Caucus with enough votes to cover the increasing defections from Democrats like Stephanie Kifowit. “Madigan cannot be re-elected Speaker of the House without Martha Paschke’s support. Why else would Madigan steer $2,000,000 to a first time candidate with zero experience in government,” said Ugaste.

“Paschke needs to answer if she intends on voting for Michael J. Madigan to be Speaker of the House. Transparency on this issue is of the utmost importance. The people have a right to know,” said Ugaste. “And if she refuses to answer or evades the question, the people will have their answer. Her continued silence will speak volumes. As Illinois Republicans have said all summer, ‘Silence is corruption’.”

Dan Ugaste Endorsed By The Illinois Fraternal Order Of Police

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Dan Ugaste Endorsed By The Illinois Fraternal Order Of Police

GENEVA – State Representative Dan Ugaste (R-65) has been formally endorsed by the Illinois Fraternal Order of Police (FOP), which represents over 33,000 active and retired Illinois police officers.  Ugaste accepted the endorsement and support of the police organization with gratitude and vowed to work with all law enforcement entities to make Illinois safer and more prosperous.

“I will continue to work with and on behalf of law enforcement in my capacity as a state lawmaker to make sure our citizens stay safe and our police officers stay safe.  It is a tough job for which we need to provide the best training, equipment and support that we can afford,” said Ugaste.  “Despite the focus of the media on the divisions in American society right now, police officers need more support from their government leaders — not less.  While every government employee and official needs to be held to a high standard, including me, I am not required to carry a gun and make split second life or death decisions in stressful and sometimes violent circumstances.  I appreciate the support of the FOP and I believe they know I support them as they do their job to keep us all safe.”

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Sheriffs of Illinois PAC Announces Ugaste as a “Sheriffs’ Star” Award Recipient

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Springfield, Ill. — Sheriffs of Illinois PAC today announce its “Sheriffs’ Star” legislative
endorsement for the 101 st General Assembly. The program is further engaging Illinois Sheriffs in
the policy-making process. It is now more important than ever that law enforcement have
legislators that value the protections and services provided by law enforcement.

“Legislators write and set the laws that we are expected to enforce. That relationship requires
strong collaboration and communication between law enforcement and all legislators. We all
want safe communities and the best for all Illinois citizens,” Chairman Dwight Baird (Kendall
County Sheriff) said. “It is our hope that this endorsement process can help further nurture that
important dialogue. It certainly is my distinct privilege to announce our inaugural “Sheriffs’ Star”
recipients today.”

The Sheriffs of Illinois PAC is a bipartisan and voluntary political fund. This program offers
support to politicians who stand up for Sheriffs and all of law enforcement in their effort to
protect law abiding citizens. Politicians that demonstrate these aspects would be considered
recipients of the “Sheriffs’ Star”.

“Our government was formed on citizen engagement and involvement. We believe that this
program will include ongoing input from our winners. Their participation in ride-alongs with law
enforcement will help further nurture and promote the goals we all have as elected officials,”
said Chairman Baird. “I want to congratulate and thank these legislators for what they have
done and their eagerness to be a part of this discussion.”

Hon. Dan Ugaste

Ugaste Legislation Requires Legislative Input in Emergency Response

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GENEVA—Due to Governor Pritzker’s continued unilateral response to the state’s coronavirus pandemic, State Representative Dan Ugaste (R-Geneva) filed legislation to require legislative approval on emergency declarations.

The legislation, HB5790, provides that if the Governor issues a disaster proclamation, he may extend the proclamation or make an additional proclamation regarding the same disaster, but it must be approved within 5 days by three of four legislative leaders or by a joint resolution in the General Assembly in order to be effective.

Rep. Ugaste has been a strong advocate for the involvement of the General Assembly throughout this pandemic, especially since the law requires it.  Under Illinois law, the Illinois Emergency Management Act, emergency powers granted to the Governor only last 30 days.  However, the Governor’s office has interpreted the statute differently and the courts have yet to be able to resolve the dispute.  This legislation would remove any dispute over what the legislature intended.

“The Governor has decided the pandemic has become a long-term emergency for Illinois, and that he alone knows the best way to address the situation,” said Ugaste. “We have seen Governor Pritkzer over- extend his authority to spearhead responses without consulting the General Assembly.  By filing this legislation, we are putting a specific protocol in place to ensure that lawmakers have a voice in the state’s emergency response, and that future lawmakers will never again be sidelined by this or any other  Governor.  Unfortunately, the Speaker of the House ended the Special Session and canceled the last seven days of regular session.  Therefore, unless the Governor is willing to bring us back to Special Session to address the issue, and all indications are he will not, the earliest this bill could be scheduled for a hearing in committee is November 17.”

So far, the Governor has issued three disaster proclamations for COVID—19 without input from the General Assembly. Rep. Ugaste has pushed for lawmakers to be in Springfield and allowed to debate and vote on the best plan to reopen Illinois and restore the economy.

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