State Representative Jeanne Ives (R-Wheaton) lead a coalition of conservative reform Republicans during a media conference on July 19.
State Representative Jeanne Ives (R-Wheaton) lead a coalition of conservative reform Republicans during a media conference on July 19.
Republican legislators and former candidates recently held a press conference to put forward their ideas for a change in leadership to renew the state’s political climate.
Former gubernatorial candidate and state Rep. Jeanne Ives (R-Wheaton) said leadership change is necessary if the state is to be a “vibrant haven for businesses and families.”
“The fiscal disaster at the state and local level is a direct result of unaccountable power politics that have held sway over Illinois for decades,” Ives said. “These folks will be the new leaders, committed to mutual respect, decency and fiscal restraint.”
Blaine Wilhour, GOP candidate for the 107th Illinois State House District seat
Chris Miller, the Republican candidate for House District 110, said Illinois was “about to go down the drain” because of its current leadership.
“What we want to do is give people a voice that feel like they have no voice,” he said. “We want to give them hope where they feel like there is no hope anymore. We want to restore Illinois.”
Darren Bailey, the GOP candidate for the 109th House District, said while the coalition has concerns regarding the state’s political direction, its members still have hope for the system.
“We are going to Springfield with the utmost respect for the traditions and history of the House of Representatives, but I can assure you that we are not going to Springfield to stay silent,” he said. “We’re going to stand up for the values and the principles of the people we represent.”
Blaine Wilhour, the Republican candidate for House District 107, said they were looking for a new type of leader.
“We cannot afford to elect placeholders,” he said. “We need leaders. People with a vision. People who are bold. People who can think outside the box and aren’t afraid to rattle some cages.”
Members of the coalition also include Sen. Kyle McCarter (R-Lebanon), Rep. Brad Halbrook (R-Shelbyville), Rep. Tom Morrison (R-Palatine) and Dwight Kay, who is running as a candidate for state representative in District 112.
Alerts Sign-up