SE Illinois News

Darren Bailey, a candidate for the 12th Congressional District, has announced an event titled "Shoot with Darren," providing constituents with an opportunity to engage in target shooting. The event is scheduled for Wednesday, Jan. 17 from 5 to 7 p.m. at Accuracy Firearms LLC located at 1300 S Raney St #4 in Effingham.

Bailey used Facebook as a platform to invite his followers.

"Join me this Wednesday!!!" he said. "Let’s exercise our Second Amendment and discuss how we protect our rights in Illinois."

The event is sponsored by Bailey for Congress and aims to facilitate interaction between Bailey and his constituents as he continues his campaign.

In the description of the event, Bailey expressed his thoughts about Gov. J.B. Pritzker.  

"Our governor is a soft-handed trust fund billionaire who travels with his security," Bailey wrote. "He’s delusional if he thinks people will comply with his unconstitutional laws. I have made it clear that I won’t comply with his unjust laws, and I stay ready to defend our freedoms. Friends, join me on the day and date to exercise our God-given Constitutional freedoms together. Hope to see you there!"

The Protect Illinois Communities Act came into effect on Jan. 1, requiring registration of over 170 types of commonly owned firearms. This legislation prompted Bailey to voice his opposition and express his unwillingness to comply. According to previous reports from Kankakee Times, after the gun ban registry deadline passed and only 1% of affected gun owners had registered their firearms, Bailey challenged Pritzker to take away his guns.

Bailey is a former state senator and the GOP candidate for 2022 who has strong ties to southern Illinois where he spent his formative years on the Bailey Family Farm which he now owns and operates alongside his sons. Their business ventures include Bailey Family Grain, Bailey Family Freight, and BNB Excavating, reflecting their commitment to creating a lasting legacy and realizing their daily farming aspirations, as per the information on their website.

The 12th Congressional District of Illinois includes several counties including Monroe, Randolph, Clinton, Perry, Jackson, Union, Alexander, Pulaski, Massac, Johnson, Williamson, Jefferson, and Marion among others. It also covers most of St. Clair County and half of Coles County. The seat has been held by U.S. Rep. Mike Bost (R-Ill.) since 2015 as reported by GovTrack.