Sangamon Sun

GOP gubernatorial candidate Jesse Sullivan is claiming victory in Tazewell County.

“To everyone still on the fence about their vote in the primary, I’d be honored to have your support as we take back Illinois from the corrupt insiders and failed leaders including J.B. Pritzker,” Sullivan said. “The issues we’re facing in Illinois are too big and too important for more of the same from the same old political insiders.” 

Sullivan’s campaign also included key comments below Sullivan made at the Central Illinois Republican Governor Candidate Forum. 

“These politicians have taken everything I love about our great state and they've driven it into the ground," he added. "You can do one of two things here in Illinois. You can get up and leave... or you can stand up and fight back...and that's what I've decided to do, is stand up and fight back for the people of Illinois." 

"If you want to know my governing philosophy, it's this: Take [the] power away from these corrupt, career insider politicians, and give it back to the people of Illinois." 

Sullivan, 37, is a Menard County native and an internet entrepreneur who is running for office for the first time.

"We need to look more like Texas and Florida, not New York and California," Sullivan said. "I am the only candidate that has signed the Taxpayer Protection Pledge, saying I will veto any new tax that comes across my desk when I am governor." 

The forum was held at Five Points, Washington, on April 25. State Sen. Darren Bailey (R-Xenia), Gary Rabine, Paul Schimpf, Sullivan, and Max Solomon noted early on that they would be at the event, while Aurora Mayor Richard Irvin — who conservatives have called “a career Democrat" — refused to attend and debate other Republican candidates.

Tazewell County Clerk John C. Ackerman called out Irvin for missing the forum. “Everyone will be there. EVERYONE BUT RICHARD IRVIN," Ackerman said in a Facebook post. "Even after the event date was changed to fit his calendar, he refused the invitation to attend. Even after myself and leadership of the local Republican Party met with him and strongly recommended he attend, he refused."

Early polling showed State Sen. Darren Bailey (R-Xenia) leading the GOP field. He has been a critic of Irvin's since the latter entered the race. ”I suspect career Democrat Richard Irvin will be very popular among the establishment and weak-kneed Republicans who voted with Madigan and Pritzker to raise your taxes," Bailey commented when Irvin announced he will be running in the gubernatorial race, according to SE Illinois News.