SE Illinois News

In a recent reaction to the ongoing efforts to exclude former President Donald Trump from the Illinois ballot, Darren Bailey, a candidate for the 12th Congressional District, expressed his unwavering support for Trump. He criticized what he termed as 'radical liberals' for their attempts to destabilize democracy and described their actions as desperate.

“Their desperation is showing,” Bailey said. “I’m not just standing with President Trump; I’m rallying beside him, fighting for truth and justice! I’m fighting with the people of Southern Illinois.”

According to Bailey, the notion of removing Trump from the ballot is baseless and is being propagated by radical liberals who are anti-democratic and determined to block Trump's candidacy. 

“Here they go again,” Bailey said on X. “Radical Liberals who hate democracy are scheming to remove President Trump from the ballot - sheer nonsense!”

 “Why? They fear they can’t change the rules and rig another election.”

These comments were made in light of Illinois becoming the 18th state contemplating such action. This follows an official objection against Trump’s state nominating petitions lodged by five residents in collaboration with a voting rights organization. The objectors argue that Trump's alleged role in inciting the Capitol riot on Jan. 6, 2020, disqualifies him under the 14th Amendment which prohibits "insurrectionists" from holding public office. The State Board of Elections in Illinois is currently deliberating its authority to invoke this constitutional clause. WBEZhttps://www.wbez.org/stories/trumps-candidacy-is-challenged-by-a-group-of-illinois-residents/6fd7f8c7-36cb-47bd-b278-f42333d3c0e5 reports that this issue may require resolution through either the state courts or legislature.

Trump’s campaign has dismissed the objection as part of a coordinated effort to disenfranchise voters.

“These shams are all part of a coordinated election interference…campaign designed to disenfranchise millions of American voters by depriving them of the right to vote for the candidate of their choice because Crooked Joe’s allies see the writing on the wall, President Trump is winning and Biden is losing,” Trump campaign spokesman Steven Cheung said, according to the news report.

Similar challenges are pending in 15 other states, with Colorado and Maine already ruling Trump ineligible for the 2024 ballot.

This situation is not unique to Illinois as similar challenges are pending in 15 other states. Colorado and Maine have already ruled Trump ineligible for the 2024 ballot.

Bailey, a former state senator and the 2022 GOP candidate, has strong ties to southern Illinois where he spent his early years on the Bailey Family Farm. He currently co-manages the farm with his sons. Under their stewardship, Bailey Family Grain, Bailey Family Freight, and BNB Excavating have thrived. This success reflects their commitment to creating a lasting legacy and fulfilling their farming aspirations as stated on their website.

Illinois’ 12 Congressional District includes Monroe, Randolph, Clinton, Perry, Jackson, Union, Alexander, Pulaski, Massac, Johnson, Williamson, Jefferson, Marion, Clay, Effingham, Wayne, Hamilton, Saline, Pope, Hardin, Gallatin, White, Edwards, Wabash, Richland, Lawrence, Jasper, Crawford, Cumberland and Clark Counties. It also includes most of St. Clair County, and half of Coles County. The current representative is U.S. Congressman Mike Bost (R-Ill.), who has held this position since 2015, according to GovTrack.