AURORA (WBBM NEWSRADIO) -- Aurora Mayor Richard Irvin has made it official: he’s running as a Republican candidate for Governor, challenging incumbent Democrat JB Pritzker.
It's the way a number of candidates launch campaigns these days, with a well-produced video on YouTube and extensive website going live.
Mayor Richard Irvin is known in Aurora for things like fighting to expand healthcare and economic opportunities in poorer neighborhoods, and reaching out to immigrant communities.
Aurora Mayor Richard Irvin's video stresses his background as a veteran and former prosecutor, who promises to go hard after criminals.
"I went to college on the GI bill, then law school to become a hands-on prosecutor, going on police raids, taking back one corner or apartment complex at a time; putting gang bangers, drug dealers, and wife beaters in prison. I've seen it up close. Defund the police is dumb, dangerous, and it cost lives, and I believe all lives matter. Every family should be safe," Irvin said in the video.
He said Governor Pritzker and the now-former House Speaker Michael Madigan did much damage to Illinois, while he's been a success in the western suburbs.
"We can overcome big challenges. That's what I am good at. But we must dare to dream of an Illinois that is free, prosperous, and proud enough to truly be the Land of Lincoln, again. I'm Richard Irvin. I am running for Governor of Illinois and with your help, we will take our state back," Irvin said in the video.
Irvin's running mate for Lieutenant Governor is Assistant House Republican Leader Avery Bourne, of Morrisonville.
From the looks of things, this will be a well-financed campaign.
Democrats are already taking shots at the team.
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