SE Illinois News

Darren Bailey doesn’t plan on going to Springfield alone.

“I want the people working with me,” Bailey told the East Central Reporter after recently launching his 2018 run for state representative against fellow Republican Dave Reis (R-Willow Hill) in the 109th District.

“People are rising up to speak up and no longer thinking their voice doesn’t matter,” he said. “They’re starting to feel like a part of this campaign, which I know is different from how most politicians do things because voters being involved normally means they’re going to demand accountability.”

Darren Bailey

And if nothing else, Bailey wants voters to know he has their best interests at heart.

“The first thing we’ve got to do is get this ever-consuming beast known as taxes under control,” he said. “I’m not in support of the new state budget and the 32 percent income tax it carries, and now we’re hearing that Springfield wants to raise the gas tax and take more of our earnings. We’ve got to find a way to get all this money we’re sending to Springfield back in the communities where it can really make a difference.”

The 51-year-old family-farm owner said his campaign is based on a platform of restoring Illinois to its former self by getting a handle on an out-of-control tax system.

“I’ve been talking to people nonstop, and what I’m constantly hearing is things have to change,” Bailey said. “Even the Republican establishment has been receptive, which has come as somewhat of a surprise. But everyone knows we can’t go on like this, and it’s very exciting to see people so invested in bringing about the kind of change that’s needed.”

Bailey said he’s even getting offers of voluntary assistance from people living in other counties, simply because they believe in his message

“People have been left in dark for so long as politicians concern themselves with just the things that benefit them,” he said. “Springfield has had no clue what to do, and people have had enough.”