East Central Reporter

Darren Bailey still shakes his head in disbelief that Illinois lawmakers enacted a record-setting budget for the cash-strapped state without considering reform.

“That July 4 weekend when news of this broke was the final straw for me,” Bailey told the East Central Reporter of his decision to run against Rep. Dave Reis (R-Willow Hill) in the 109th District in 2018.  “We’ve got to restore Illinois, and figuring out this tax situation is the biggest issue because the state is losing people and businesses every day.”

Bailey points a finger at Reis for initially voting in favor of the state's recently imposed 32 percent tax hike despite Gov. Bruce Rauner's stern opposition. In the end, Reis backed off and voted against overriding Rauner's veto after hearing from constituents, but 15 House GOP members still banded with Democrats to pass the new state budget.

Darren Bailey

“We’re taxing and spending our way out of Illinois being the great state it’s always been,” Bailey said. “We’ve got to rein in this budget and figure out how to stop all these tax increases and get debt under control.”

The owner of a family farm, Bailey says he knows all about accountability and having to make tough decisions. He also served 17 years on the North Clay Unit 25 Board of Education in Louisville, Illinois, including 12 as president.

“I have a desire to work with elected officials on both sides of the aisle, but we’ve got to be about bringing real solutions,” he said.

Bailey said his days are now filled with meeting with local leaders and community people, all in an effort to raise his profile.

“I get out and talk to people so they will know my integrity and know how committed I am to restoring Illinois,” he said. “The last few years, my family and I have been content, hoping that things would get better. Now, I know something has to be done, and I want to be a part of it.”

Bailey will face off against the incumbent Reis in the March 20 primary.