GOP reacts to state races
Updated: November 9, 2012
SPRINGFIELD -- The Illinois Republican Party took a huge blow in Tuesday's
elections and some say it's all because of new district maps.
Democrats got to redraw them last year. GOP members knew it would give them an upper hand in the races, but they didn't think it would hurt their party this badly.
Representative Rich Brauer, (R) Menard County, says he was in shock once all the results came in. Several republican incumbents lost their seats, and now democrats have a supermajority in both chambers.
He says a lot of blame will be put on GOP leaders. That's because some will argue they could've done more to prevent this. He says it's typical to see that happen in cases like this.
Democrats got to redraw them last year. GOP members knew it would give them an upper hand in the races, but they didn't think it would hurt their party this badly.
Representative Rich Brauer, (R) Menard County, says he was in shock once all the results came in. Several republican incumbents lost their seats, and now democrats have a supermajority in both chambers.
He says a lot of blame will be put on GOP leaders. That's because some will argue they could've done more to prevent this. He says it's typical to see that happen in cases like this.
"Whether you're a sports team or a legislative team, when things go wrong, you're going to look at what you did wrong. And you're going to look at the leadership and say, 'what changes do we need to make,' and if leadership doesn't lead, then changes will be made," he said.
Once lawmakers are sworn in this January, they'll have to vote on new GOP leaders. That means Senate Minority Leader Christine Radogno and House Republican Leader Tom Cross could get the axe. Only time will tell if that actually happens.
As far as democrats having the supermajority, Brauer says he's not too worried and will do what he can to help better the state.
