It is quite interesting to see that Comptroller candidate Jim Dodge has a history of giving campaign donations to Democrats. This is a measure of Dodge's dedication to the GOP, I'd say. How can any Republican vote for a GOP candidate that donates money to the enemy?

Kelly Calls Out Opponent for Contributions to Topinka, Democrats

(CHICAGO) – GOP Comptroller candidate William J. Kelly is calling out his primary opponent, Jim Dodge, for campaign contributions to Judy Baar Topinka (R-IL) and Orland Park Mayor, Democrat Dan McLaughlin. “We need real reform in Illinois,” said Kelly. “We don’t need anymore backroom politics and that is what my two Republican opponents are all about.”

The Illinois Board of Election lists Dodge’s contribution of $500 to Topinka and multiple contributions totaling $1300-$2300 to McLaughlin, facts which corroborate Kelly’s contention that his opponent double-deals with Democrats and was put in the race to help Topinka win the February 2010 primary. “We were right all along and now we have the proof,” said Kelly.

Supporters of Dodge have been mounting an Internet smear campaign against Kelly. Last week, Dodge supporters also circulated false reports that Kelly was exiting the race. But Kelly says he is in the “race until the end to give Republican primary voters a real reform option.”

Kelly’s race against Topinka, a liberal Republican, mirrors the civil war in the Republican party taking place on the state and federal levels across the country, most recently in the NY-23 special congressional election pitting Dede Scozzafava against conservative Douglas Hoffman. Kelly is also working with a national Facebook group called, Rid the Republican Party of R.I.N.O’s, a group that has made Topinka’s defeat one of their objectives.

“2010 is the best chance Illinois has to put conservative reformers in office and save Illinois from corruption, waste, fraud, and abuse of the public’s trust,” said Kelly. “But in order for true reform to take place, we need real reformers – not fake ones - running for office like Judy Baar Topinka or her cronies,” said Kelly. “This is the same underhanded political tactics of the past that the voters are rejecting and, today, I am calling it out for what it is.”

William J. Kelly is the former executive director of the National Taxpayers United of Illinois. He is a successful entrepreneur with an Emmy award-winning TV production company and currently hosts a multi-state sports TV series, “Sportsaholic.” For information, visit www.friendsofwilliamjkelly.com.