SE Illinois News

Following the leak of a draft opinion regarding Roe Vs. Wade from the Supreme Court, gubernatorial candidate Sen. Darren Bailey (R-Louisville) took to social media to reassure his supporters that he remained an abortion opponent.

"When other candidates in this race are hiding and refusing to say where they stand, I'm proud to stand to protect life," Bailey posted on Facebook. "I am proudly pro-life and endorsed by every major pro-life group in the state. I have stated from the beginning that I would help and promote policies and groups that help empower women with real options and save lives."

"We live in a state where Democrats hold a supermajority in both chambers, but our laws are too extreme," Bailey said. "As governor, my focus will be restoring parental notification, ending taxpayer-funded abortion, and prioritizing and ensuring viable options that save lives and support women and families before, during, and after pregnancy."

The Chicago Sun-Times reported on April 21 that Bailey had received endorsements from Illinois Family Action, Illinois Federation for Right to Life and Illinois Citizens for Life.

The Sun-Times also reported that Bailey had received a $2.5 million campaign contribution from longtime Republican donor Dick Uihlein. Uihlein had previously contributed $1 million to Bailey's campaign in February and another $25,000 last week.

Following the announcement of the leaked draft opinion, Bailey attended a press conference in Chicago where he said "I absolutely love this — hope for Chicago, hope for Illinois and hope for this great nation," according to the Chicago Sun-Times.