Story by Kevin Woodard
Based on an informal poll of McLean County Republican voters, Darren Bailey is the leader in the Republican Gubernatorial Primary. Jesse Sullivan and Gary Rabine are also favored by local Republicans.
This was not a scientific poll. Neither is it statistically valid. The Cities 92.9’s Kevin Woodard simply requested input on his own Facebook page and two other Republican Facebook groups pages. Those two group pages were McLean County Patriots and Central Illinois News Bits.
Darren Bailey led the group with 60% of those that chose to respond by press time supporting him. That’s close to what I expected but a little lower.
According to Bailey’s website, “There’s nothing wrong with Illinois that can’t be fixed with a little common sense. I’ll fight for the working people not the political elites.”
One of two things is true. Either this is who Bailey is, or he has sold that image to his followers.
Mary Carlisle, a Bailey supporter, says, “He is an honest man of integrity who cares about the people of Illinois. He is a Christian with family values.”
Jerry McKinsey also supports Bailey calling him, “a man of integrity, a hard working farmer, and tireless when it comes to spending time with people.”
Ryan McKinsey describes Bailey as, “a good Christian man … He’s honest, hard working and cares about people in Illinois.”
Jesse Sullivan is supported by 20% of respondents to my inquiry. That too is a less than I expected.
Sullivan’s website describes him as, “an anti-politician and job creator dedicated to faith, family and service” who wants, “to make Illinois a ‘shining city on a hill’ that Lincoln would be proud of.”
Jackie Beyer, a Sullivan supporter, believes Sullivan “is looking to do that that through supporting small businesses.” She added Sullivan, “has strong moral values, is not a politician, is humble and truly interested in serving the people of Illinois.”
Gary Rabine also had support of 20% of those that responded to my call for respondents. This one surprised me. I hadn’t expected that.
Rabine’s web site shares his “Reform and Rebuild” slogan. It touts his “experience as a business builder” and states he is, “the true outsider who can bring real reform to Springfield.”
John Walther, a Rabine supporter, says he, “has exhibited the management skills to manage state government, and has successfully worked with people and municipalities across the state showing he can negotiate with the General Assembly and bureaucracy despite their opposition. He has a solid conservative record despite not being a politician or having worked with all parties.”
Primary elections will be held on June 28.
