GOP Candidates React to Irvin Announcement
GOP gubernatorial candidates (l-r) Gary Rabine, Sen. Darren Bailey (R-Xenia), former Sen. Paul Schimpf. (Photo: Sun-Times)
Republican candidates for Governor had a mixed reaction to Aurora Mayor Richard Irvin’s entrance into the race Monday.
Statement from Sen. Darren Bailey’s (R-Xenia) campaign:
"We believe the Republican Party's nominee should be a Republican, not someone who has made a career being a pro-abortion, anti-gun Democrat that praises Pritzker and doesn't share our principles. We welcome him to the GOP and his tax-raising ticket to the race, but our campaign remains the same; we are building a grassroots movement across the state made up of thousands of working people who the establishment, political elites, and donor class have forgotten. Darren Bailey is the true conservative in this race and with the help of working people across the state, we will win this election and begin to reform Springfield and restore Illinois."
Bailey, by the way, voted in a Democratic primary in 2008.
Statement from businessman Gary Rabine:
“I would like to welcome Aurora Mayor Richard Irvin to the governor’s race and to the Illinois Republican Party. After years of pulling Democratic primary ballots in years when Pat Quinn, Hillary and Joe Biden were top of the ticket, I am interested to hear what changed your mind on party affiliation. Equally compelling will be your explanation on supporting sanctuary cities and your effusive praise for Governor Pritzker. But I guess that’s what campaigns are all about. I am a life-long, conservative Republican. I am pro-life, pro-gun and a fiscal hawk. I founded my now nationwide business in Illinois shortly after I graduated from high school. I have supported the Republican Party, conservative candidates, and the promotion of fundamental freedoms for decades. Just last week, I was one of the lead plaintiffs in the lawsuit that successfully stopped the Biden Administration’s vaccine mandate in the United States Supreme Court. I was one of the largest donors in Illinois to the Trump campaign and I have never voted in a Democratic Primary.”
Rabine previously donated to indicted Chicago alderman Ed Burke, alderman Gil Villegas, former Chicago City Treasurer Kurt Summers, Cook County Commissioner Bridget Gainer, and former Mayor Rahm Emanuel.
Venture capitalist Jesse Sullivan:
“As a capitalist and a former athlete, I love competition, even for elected office. But the people of Illinois are sick of career politicians who’ve been given ample opportunities to fix our state. They deserve a true conservative political outsider who can lead and make Illinois strong. I am the candidate who can save Illinois.”
Former Senator Paul Schimpf has not responded to a text message from The Illinoize.
