Jim Dodge doesn’t get what the fuss is all about regarding Gov. Bruce Rauner refusing to debate Rep. Jeanne Ives (R-Wheaton) as their Republican primary showdown draws near.
The Telegraph recently blasted Rauner as “a coward” for thus far refusing to take the stage against Ives, adding that he even shot down a University of Illinois at Springfield overture to host a debate between the two sometime in February.
“I think people know of Rauner’s record and what he stands for and I think all the party activists know who Jeanne is and what she stands for as well,” Dodge told the Prairie State Wire. “I really don’t think a debate will make much of a difference between the two. I think the process and the system are both working well, and I think Rauner gives us a great chance of keeping the Governor’s Mansion in Republican hands.”
Jim Dodge
Dodge, an Orland Park Republican is running for state treasurer, said things are also looking up in his own campaign.
“We’re pressing forward, making appearances and talking with plenty of voters as they get to know what I stand for,” he said. “Our message of honesty and accountability is resonating with base Republicans and we’re emphasizing that this election is about right track vs. wrong track for the state of Illinois.”
The Orland Park Village trustee is already on record in asserting he thinks Springfield needs more Republican leaders if the state is ever to find its way.
“It’s that simple,” he previously told Prairie State Wire. “To offset the damage that’s been done by Democratic leadership, up and down the ballot we need officeholders that are fiscal conservatives who are well-grounded.”
Dodge added state lawmakers must also be willing to institute a system of disciplined structure if they hope to restore fiscal order.
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