Sangamon Sun

State Sen. Steve McClure (R-Springfield) doubts if even frustrated Democrats in Springfield can sway Gov. J.B. Pritzker’s thinking on COVID-19.

“At this point, I think the only think that can make a difference is a revolt by the voters,” McClure told the Sangamon Sun in the wake of the latest restrictions imposed by Pritzker that include a ban on indoor dining at bars and restaurants in counties all over the state.

Citing rising infection rates, the governor recently moved to reenact restrictions that have quickly raised the ire of many small business owners still reeling from the impact of his initial shutdown orders.

More recently, democrats in Springfield have become involved, demanding that the governor hold public hearings to give an accounting for his actions.

“I think they’re getting more frustrated, but more than that I think the people of their districts have reached that point,” he said. “We can hope the bipartisan cries are enough, but I really think it’s going to take the voters for the governor to have a change in his position.”

McClure said he isn’t surprised to see all the small business owners who have spoken out take the position that they have.

“There fighting for survival, fighting to save the businesses so many of them have worked long and hard to build,” he said. “They know more restrictions could mean them having to close their doors for good. We need to be honoring the COVID requirements we’ve put in place that have helped slow the virus and helping as many of our small businesses stay afloat as we can.”

McClure argues the negative impact it all stands to have on their state as a whole could be immeasurable.

“We’re talking about businesses have to shut down everywhere,” he said. “We’re talking about many owners and employees alike having to start all over.”