Decatur Rep. Considering Senate Race, House Primaries After New Map Adjusts Plans
Rep. Dan Caulkins (R-Decatur) had told associates after Democrats passed a new legislative map in May that he would move to the north side of Decatur and run in the new 88th House District. Democrats complicated that move with a revised map last month placing longtime Rep. Dan Brady (R-Bloomington) in the same district. That leaves Caulkins with multiple tough choices.
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After Democrats passed a new legislative map in May, Rep. Dan Caulkins (R-Decatur) indicated he was likely to move north from his current home to avoid a primary against his “Eastern Bloc” colleague Rep. Brad Halbrook (R-Shelbyville) to run in an open district north of Decatur, the new 88th.
When Democrats amended their maps last month, Rep. Dan Brady (R-Bloomington) was drawn into the new 88th at the last moment, potentially limiting Caulkins’ options or face a bitter primary with a colleague. Brady told The Illinoize over the weekend he is still considering a run for Secretary of State, but running for re-election in the new district is not off the table.
Caulkins said Tuesday he’s evaluating his options, including potentially challenging Rep. Sue Scherer (D-Decatur) or appointed Sen. Doris Turner (D-Springfield) next year.
“I am planning to run,” Caulkins said. “I am reserving my options. Then, add in the court case and who knows how this will go.”
Caulkins is referring to a federal lawsuit challenging the legality of the latest maps. If the federal court throws out the map enacted by Democrats, the plans of dozens of lawmakers would likely change.
While most expect the latest version of the map to be enacted, Governor JB Pritzker hasn’t signed the legislation into law yet, but there’s been no indication he would veto the maps.