East Central Reporter

Clay County Sheriff Andy Myers is endorsing Sen. Darren Bailey (R-Louisville) for governor.

"I am honored to have the endorsement of my Sheriff, Andy Myers, of Clay County," Bailey said, sharing Myers' Facebook post. "Sheriff Myers understands that the SAFE-T ACT is a danger to all of Illinois, and that it is a slap in the face to all law enforcement. Even Democratic officials, from legislators to State's Attorneys, are admitting that this law is going to be a disaster for public safety.  Friends, our streets are unsafe because JB Pritzker is content with being soft on crime. We must #FirePritzker and repeal the SAFE-T ACT. Vote November 8th!" 

Myers urged Illinoisans to "Fire Pritzker!!!" by voting for Bailey on Nov. 8.

"On January 13, 2021 a group of anti-police legislators bullied their way through a lame duck session and passed House Bill 3653, a piece of legislation that opened up war on law enforcement!" Myers said. "Then-State Representative Darren Bailey battled and fought to stop this legislation! Despite all the pleas from the law-abiding citizens throughout our state Governor Pritzker failed us and signed the deadly bill into law. As now my State Senator, Darren Bailey has continued to stand and fight on behalf of law enforcement throughout the state to repeal House Bill 3653 and support law enforcement. Senator Bailey has demanded accountability of criminals who break the law and those who attack my brothers and sisters in law enforcement by introducing legislation that would bring back the death penalty for anyone who kills a law enforcement officer. It is time to elect a Governor that will stand up to the political machines and do what is in the best interest of everyone. It is time to Fire Pritzker and elect Darren Bailey for Governor."

Xenia, where Bailey resides, is in Clay County. The Clay County Sheriff’s Office has patrolled the area since 1826. The Sheriff's primary function and "his deputies, as his representatives, is to 'keep the peace.' To accomplish this duty the Sheriff’s Office maintains 24 hour patrol, surveillance and dispatch,” the Clay County Sheriff’s website reads. The Sheriff oversees one chief deputy and night patrol deputies in addition to a more robust jail staff.

On his campaign website, Bailey describes himself as a conservative family man, farmer and rural Illinoisan. “Darren was born and raised in Louisville and is a proud third-generation farmer. Growing up on Bailey Family Farm, Darren learned at a young age what it means to work hard and earn an honest living. Today, Darren and his sons own and operate Bailey Family Farm. He grows corn, wheat, and soybeans, all while carrying on the traditions of one of America’s oldest occupations,” the website reads. “Darren is grounded in the conservative values of hard work, individual liberty, and social responsibility. He knows that these precious freedoms are threatened everyday by big government and powerful career politicians.”