Darren Bailey’s motivation for wanting to save Illinois is as heartfelt as it is simple.
“I have no agenda and nothing to gain from this other than being able to pave the way for my seven grandchildren to be in a position to have the option of calling Illinois home going forward,” Bailey told SE Illinois News of his run against Rep. David Reis (R-Willow Hill) in the 109th District. “The welfare of my grandchildren and my workers, those are the motivations (that) fueled my run for Springfield.”
Bailey said part of his campaign has centered on asking voters the core question of whether they are better off now than they have been in the past.
Darren Bailey
“Whether we’re talking about last year or 13 years ago, the answer for most is the same, and that’s a resounding 'no',” he said. “That holds true whether you’re a schoolteacher, some kind of public servant or whatever. Bottom-line is with all that’s wrong coming out of Springfield you’ve got things to worry about today that you didn’t have before.”
With primary election day on Tuesday, Bailey argues voters can’t look for solutions to come from Reis, who he insists has turned to engaging in a smear campaign against him as his only re-election strategy.
“All he has is negativity and spreading falsehoods,” he said. “Even now with the state having enacted this crazy budget and Springfield being as dysfunctional as it is, he still says he wouldn’t do anything differently. People are disgusted by his lack of integrity.”
Bailey added part of his campaign has also been about clearly showing legislators that the time has come to return government to the people.
“I know it’s a message many of them don’t want to hear, but it’s time to relinquish everything back to the people and serve out their will,” he said.
Bailey said the final days of his campaign will be spent doing the same things he’s done all campaign season.
“We’ll be knocking on more doors, answering all the questions we’re now getting from people wanting us to explain how I’m different from my opponent,” he said.
Bailey insists the distinctions are clear and easy to see.
“I’m a work horse and not some kind of show horse,” he said. “I will be willing to roll up my sleeves, work across the aisle and get the things done that this state needs to be Illinois again.”
The 109th District includes parts or all of Jasper, Effingham, Clay, Richland, Lawrence, Wabash, Wayne, Edwards and White counties.
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