Darren Bailey argues that reports of Gov. Bruce Rauner and Democratic challenger J.B. Pritzker spending upwards of $105 million combined in their primary victories tells you everything you need to know about why so many people are now disengaged from the process.
“Most of what we see now that passes as advertising is crap,” Bailey told the SE Illinois News. “When you see all this money being spent, it sends the bad message that’s what shapes Illinois politics. It’s one of the primary reasons why so many young people are so disenfranchised and disinterested in voting.”
Bailey, the Xenia Republican running against Democrat Cynthia Given of Olney in the 109th House District, wonders about the bottom-line choices voters are actually presented with.
“Better candidates, and people of more integrity wouldn’t be banking their campaigns on matters like this,” Bailey added. “It might be the primary reason why we can’t attract high caliber candidates for some of these statewide offices where money is so essential to be able to wage a legitimate campaign.”
According to the Chicago Tribune, Rauner and Pritzker spent a combined $105.2 million to win their respective party nominations, with Pritzker leading the way by shelling out $68.3 million.
Further analysis concludes that it shakes out to more than $100 per vote cast for each candidate, with Rauner having already set aside as much as $50 million for his re-election effort back in 2016.
“Spending limits need to be a major part of the reform efforts we put forth that desperately need to happen,” Bailey added. “Until we get that under control, we’re going to continue to see distrust of the process and many ... not being willing to take part in any of it.”
The 109th House District includes parts or all of Jasper, Effingham, Clay, Richland, Lawrence, Wabash, Wayne, Edwards and White counties.
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