The Northern Star Editorial Board has decided to endorse Lisa Madigan for Illinois Attorney General.

The overwhelming factor that came into play was Madigan’s determination in pushing transparency throughout Illinois government. Illinois has never been known as a clean slate political atmosphere throughout its history, so Madigan stands as a suitable foil. The reality of Madigan wanting to make information more easily accessible by citizens and conversely members of the media bodes well for the state.

Some may say Illinois has bigger fish to fry–such as budget concerns–in the grand scheme of things, but transparency is the beginning of solving some of these issues. Being able to find out why, how, when and where our elected officials spent our tax dollars is and should always be a top priority. When there is no paper trail to follow, things become murky and crooks find a way to succeed in broad daylight. Madigan provides the basic ideas needed to stop corruption in Illinois politics. Other politicians have spout phrases and rhetoric at the public, but not many have put these ideas into action.

These are reasons we as the editorial board believe Madgian should be re-elected to her position. Continuity is an important facet in accomplishing anything. If Madigan was to lose her position, her footsteps forward may be erased, leaving the citizens of Illinois at square one. Now transparency isn’t the only thing that Madigan’s campaign stands on, but if most of the issues are researched, transparency is at the base of nearly all of them. Battling corruption, protecting consumers, fighting for taxpayers and making health care more affordable are a portion of Lisa Madigan’s core issues. These are things this editorial board stands behind as all equally important.

For these things to be accomplished, the citizens must be aware of the intentions and actions officials take without going through smoke screens.