In a departure from the norm, Gov. Bruce Rauner recently came out in favor of farmer, businessman and “superstar” Brad Halbrook, heartily endorsing the fellow Republican as a candidate for the state legislature in Illinois’ upcoming elections.
“I don’t normally do this but I am supporting (for state representative)… people I know really [well] who are close friends of mine and I know I can trust them ... to fight Madigan and beat these rascals,” Rauner said. “He is a superstar. I’d (like) for you to support Brad Halbrook.”
Declaring that Halbrook could be trusted “in a foxhole,” Rauner publicly approved Halbrook as a neutral and ethical choice for area voters, stating that he is a logical choice.
“Brad is a friend of mine; he was one of my biggest allies that helped me get elected,” Rauner said. “He is really a principled conservative. He is small businessman and a farmer. He is not connected to any special interests and can stand up to the special interests that control Springfield.”
Halbrook, who previously served as state representative in the 110th District from 2012 through 2015, is now running in the 102nd District. A fiscal and social conservative, he was instrumental in overturning the flawed General Assembly Retirement System pension. Additionally, he consistently advocates for governmental transparency.
Directly appealing to the public, Rauner said, “[H]elp me get Brad Halbrook elected please. I’d appreciate it. It is a big deal in Springfield.”
Halbrook, of Shelbyville, is running with Jim Acklin of Ogden and Randy Peterson of Paris to replace retiring state Rep. Adam Brown, who announced this summer that he would not try for a fourth term in 2016.
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