Illinois business group endorses Rep. Rodney Davis over Trump-endorsed opponent

U.S. Rep. Rodney Davis (R-IL) speaks during a news conference in front of the U.S. Capitol on July 27, 2021 in Washington, DC. Leader McCarthy held a news conference to discuss the January 6th Committee. Photo credit Alex Wong/Getty Images

By WBBM Newsradio Staff Report

(WBBM NEWSRADIO) — The vitriol, name-calling, and wild accusations are as close as your radio, TV and mailbox — at least until next Tuesday’s primary in Illinois.

We’re hearing how almost all of the Republican candidates are the most aligned with former President Donald Trump; are the toughest on immigrants and crime and how their Republican primary opponents are closet liberals.

Is this really what Illinois Republicans are about?

“I think the electorate is coming back to a much more reasonable sense of things,” said Todd Maisch, president of the Illinois Chamber of Commerce. “They’re going to look at individuals’ records. They’re going to look at whether we just want this partisan gridlock for another two years or if we actually want to move things forward.”

His organization on Monday endorsed U.S. Rep. Rodney Davis, R-Taylorville and a relative moderate, over his opponent, Rep. Mary Miller, R-Oakland, in the newly drawn 15th Congressional District. Miller has the backing of Trump.

Maisch had good and bad things to say about Gov. JB Pritzker’s first term. The Democrat is seeking re-election, but the chamber is making no endorsement in the gubernatorial primaries.