SE Illinois News

Illinois state Sen. Darren Bailey (R-Xenia) accuses his colleagues across the aisle of failing to scrutinize Gov. J.B. Pritzker's use of federal funds.

“The Democrats gave Pritzker authority to spend billions in federal funds without any legislative oversight or accountability,” Bailey posted on Twitter. “Ridiculous. The working people and taxpayers of Illinois deserve better. We need serious reform and accountability in Springfield.”

Having recently launched his GOP challenge to Pritzker, according to the Prairie State Wire, Bailey insists he has a clear vision of what he wants to bring to the Governor’s Mansion.

“It’s time Springfield stopped trying to control people’s lives and started working to make them better,” he recently posted to Twitter. “I’ve been in this fight — standing for you and our future in Illinois. And I can promise you that I’m not backing down. Our home is worth fighting to restore.”

Much of his platform centers on creating greater educational and economic opportunities for all. Bailey recently put out a call for interns to work his campaign and aid him in spreading his message.

“Friends, our team is expanding as our movement is growing every single day,” he added in another tweet. “Please share with those interested in gaining valuable experience while helping our campaign to restore Illinois.”

Bailey’s message seems to be resonating with voters, with a recent Ogden & Fry poll finding that his overall support among Republicans in the primary field stands at 33%, more than five times his nearest competitor and more support than challengers Jesse Sullivan (6%), Gary Rabine (5%) and former state Sen. Paul Schimpf (3%) combined, the Chicago City Wire reported.

Long one of the governor’s loudest critics when it comes to his handling of the COVID-19 crisis, Bailey previously sued the administration over its stay-at-home order. According to the SE Illinois News, the Democratic Governors Association recently blasted him and the other three Republican candidates as anti-science.

Team Bailey wasted little time dismissing the attack as more political posturing.

"It is clear that the Democratic Governors Association is terrified about Darren Bailey," his campaign posted on its Twitter page. "They know J.B. is vulnerable, and they see our campaign as the top contender to defeat him next November.”

Bailey also recently took a stand for what he views as justice following the verdict in the Ahmaud Arbery case.  

“Justice was served again today,” Bailey posted on Twitter. “The men responsible for chasing down and killing Arbery were convicted of felony murder charges. Law and order means every American should feel safe in their communities. As your next governor, I’ll work every day to ensure that.”