SE Illinois News

Republican state House candidate Darren Bailey is looking to take Springfield by storm.

“We are looking to bust the status quo and return the power of government to the people,” Bailey told the SE Illinois News. “The establishment has taken over, and it only works for its own interest. High taxes and lack of reforms in government are indicative of that. We can’t stand silent any longer.”

Bailey, running against Democrat Cynthia Given in the 109th District in November’s general election, has joined forces with a coalition of conservative, reform-minded GOP legislators and candidates touted as “running to structurally reform state government and radically renew Illinois’ political culture.”

Illinois State Rep. Jeanne Ives (R-Wheaton)

Bailey is joined in the coalition by state Sen. Kyle McCarter (R-Lebanon), Reps. Jeanne Ives (R-Wheaton), Brad Halbrook (R-Shelbyville) and Tom Morrison (R-Palatine). In addition to Bailey, other GOP House candidates that are part of the group include Dwight Kay, Chris Miller and Blaine Wilhour.

“We believe that integrity has to prevail, and if there are lawmakers that don’t have that the people in Illinois now desiring something different will take it upon themselves to address it,” Bailey said. “People against this movement and opposed to the idea of greater accountability will be voted out of office.”

Citizens can help with the movement by getting more involved and speaking out anytime they see something amiss in government, Bailey said.

“You have to involve yourself, and be willing to get your hands dirty,” he said. “You have to be willing to share your concerns with friends, neighbors and relatives across the state. When we look at this great country, our founders laid their lives on the line for what they believed in. We are at that kind of crossroads again.”

Bailey said his vision of Illinois being more vibrant might mean it resembles neighboring states like Indiana.

“Right now, they push businesses and factories across the state and have more people working, earning money," he said. "It leaves everyone paying less taxes personally, but helping to generate more income as a whole for the state.”

The 109th House District includes parts or all of Jasper, Effingham, Clay, Richland, Lawrence, Wabash, Wayne, Edwards and White counties.