SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (WBBM NEWSRADIO) -- A downstate lawmaker said he’s doing well as the front-runner among Republicans hoping to unseat Democratic Governor J.B. Pritzker next year.
Clay County State Senator Darren Bailey is one of four high-profile candidates in the GOP primary race for governor. The others are Gary Rabine, Paul Schimpf, and Jesse Sullivan - all four are conservative. But Bailey said after suing Governor Pritzker over state mask mandates and government shutdowns over COVID-19, he’s been invited to speak all over the state.
"Speaking for open schools, open business rallies," Bailey said. "People saw that they had someone standing up for them. That's where this movement...my donations, as far the Illinois voter donations, are double at least what anyone else's is."
But Central Illinois Congressman Rodney Davis is reportedly considering whether to run for governor, as well. Senator Bailey is unfazed.
"If a politician somewhere throughout the state can't win their own district and they decides maybe they need to move, maybe it's time to go back to private sector and get back to work, because that's the true message. I am so tired of these career politicians, and I will call one out as it is," Bailey said. "But hey, if he wants to join, join. The more the merrier. That's just going to make it easier for us."
Republican candidate for governor Darren Bailey is the guest on our “At Issue” program this weekend and you can hear more of his thoughts Sunday evening at 9:30 p.m.
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