Now two downstate Republican lawmakers think that they've found a solution for Mr. Wooters and other disgruntled Illinoisans who want to escape but can't: Cut off the pesky tail that's wagging the dog—separate Chicago from the rest of the state.

That's the legislative initiative of State Reps. Adam Brown and Bill Mitchell, who think politicians from the Windy City have blown the state too far left. "At every town-hall meeting I hear, 'Can't we separate from Chicago?'" says Mr. Mitchell.

I know what I would do...Move WEST. Lets see how well Chicago lives without money from the rest of the state.

Allysia Finley: The Chicago Expulsion Act of 2011

online.wsj.com

In The Wall Street Journal's Cross Country column, Allysia Finley writes that Windy City pols have been bankrupting Illinois with bailouts for their hometown—and now downstate legislators are fighting back.