Topinka wants the state to pay its debts, maybe she should demand the same from contributor pals

State Treasurer Judy Baar Topinka gave the Peoria Journal Star's Molly Parker a taste of her plans:

GOP gubernatorial candidate Judy Baar Topinka warned that if she is elected, interest groups from schools to health groups shouldn't expect many new programs or money.

It's time the state starts living within its means and paying off existing debts, she said.

That requires putting the majority of all new revenue toward paying off the pension debt that has mounted for years and made the solvency of Illinois' retirement funds the worst in the nation, she said.

My, my. Such fiscal responsibility. Does this committment to debt repayment include making your rich, connected contributors pay back the $27.5 million they owe the state? Does does the cash the Cullinan family gave to you and your political ally Ray LaHood (who is quote fond of deadbeats) preclude that from happening? Once you're elected, will you revive your plan to let the 85 investors in William Cellini's President Abraham Lincoln Hotel and Conference Center pay back 25 cents on the dollar?

These are questions Topinka ought to answer as she tries to position herself as the more ethical choice in the GOP race to replace Gov. Rod Blagojevich.

Just imagine what schools could do with an extra $27.5 million.

Originally posted at Peoria Pundit.