Sangamon Sun

Republican attorney general candidate Thomas DeVore is questioning the organizers of the Sangamon County Republican Lincoln Day Dinner over their preference for candidates supported by the so-called “combine” Republicans. 

“Here is the e-mail that just went out to everyone who has contributed to my campaign," DeVore posted on Facebook. "When I told all of you I won’t put up with these crooked people, I was serious. I’ll burn the crooked system to the ground by exposing them all!! The people will never be represented if this nonsense is allowed to continue.” 

Addressing his contributors, he told them that he attended the Sangamon County Republican Lincoln Day Dinner. 

"Citizens for DeVore purchased a table for $1250 with the purpose of interacting with everyday citizens and candidates across the State," he said. "Instead, the ‘establishment Republicans’ hand-selected their ‘candidates’ to speak. The rest were sidelined! Together we have spent the better part of two years fighting to keep our businesses open and masks off of our kids in school. Together we took on Governor J.B. Pritzker to end these tyrannical mandates. Do you know who stood by and enabled this behavior? The establishment Republicans as they stood on the sidelines and let this happen. I did NOT attend this event to have the VOICE of the PEOPLE silenced and to be spoon-fed the 'party's' candidate. I have already e-mailed the Sangamon County GOP asking they return the $1250 spent on the table to Citizens for DeVore. Now I need you to do the SAME!"

He also stated in the same post that an email was sent to sangamonrepublicans@scrcc.comcastbiz.net and info@ilgop.org with the subject: "Return Citizens for DeVore $1250.00."

"Dear Sangamon County GOP and IL GOP," DeVore wrote. "As a supporter of Thomas DeVore for Attorney General, we are TIRED of the Establishment Republicans sitting on the sidelines and not representing the PEOPLE as you 'hand select' who you feel is the party's best candidate. We are asking for you to return OUR donation of $1250.00 to Tom's campaign, Citizens for DeVore. The PEOPLE do not want to be spoon-fed the establishment candidate while you silence others. We are aware of your tactics, and the PEOPLE have had enough."

Sangamon County Judge Raylene Grischow declared Gov. Pritzker's state of emergency for schools "null and void" in a Feb. 4 decision, it effectively overturned COVID mandates in schools. The decision was upheld by the Fourth District Appellate Court. She stated that the governor and his agencies imposed rules on pupils without their permission.

DeVore has rode a tide of legal successes that have seen mask and COVId mandates repealed, according to South Central Reporter.

The Greenville attorney had originally intended to seek a judgeship but has, later on, chose to run for state attorney general instead. He'll face David Shestokas in the primary on June 28.