By Eric Stock

BLOOMINGTON - State Senator Bill Brady, R-Bloomington, isn't weighing in on how the Republican Party should handle its chairman going against the party platform on gay marriage.

Brady said he disagrees with Illinois Republican Party Chairman Pat Brady's endorsing same-sex marriage, but says it's up to the Republican Central Committee to decide.

"He's got a board he has to answer to. It's a volunteer position that he was elected to by the state central comm. I assume at some point in time there will be discussion and depending on what that board's reaction will be, the outcome of whether or not he retains his chairmanship will follow," Brady said.

Bill Brady also suggested that Pat Brady should have some cover for explaining what he said were his personal views and not those of the party.

Bill and Pat Brady aren't related.

Pat Brady has said the GOP should spend less time on social issues and focus on the economy, something Bill Brady said he did in his 2010 campaign for governor.

"I think the Republican Party is principled in its nature. It has a platform, it believes in various things, but there's no question my focus in the last gubernatorial election and today is putting Illinois on the right track when it comes to jobs," Brady said.

Topinka calls for money transfers

Sen. Brady said he supports Comptroller Judy Baar Topinka's call for lawmakers to transfer money to help for some programs for children, the elderly and unemployed which will run out of money by the end of the fiscal year in June.

"She's trying to do a very difficult juggling act. We obviously need to live within our means and that means cutting spending and reprioritizing and I think she's wise call for us to do that," Brady said.

PODCAST: Listen to Sen. Brady's interview with Jim Fitzpatrick on WJBC.

Eric Stock can be reached at eric.stock@cumulus.com.