By Eric Stock
QUINCY – A man who tried to change Washington through the media now hopes to do the same as a member of Congress as he runs in the 18th District special election.
Mike Flynn of Quincy was editor of a conservative website which helped bring down the liberal group ACORN.
“For me it was a real recognition that there is a real fight for policy and the politics of this country,” Flynn said. “There is an institutional left that is trying to change our way of live and government. We’ve got to stand up to it.”
Flynn said conservatism to him is having a humility about what government can accomplish.
“The government should be there to enforce contracts and the roads and the common things we can’t do individually and then just get out of the way,” Flynn said. “and let people live their lives, raise their family, grow their business, live their lives as they see fit.”
Policywise, Flynn said Congress should overhaul Obamacare, enforce U.S. borders and reform the prison system by keeping more non-violent offenders out of prison and providing more treatment for substance abuse.
He added the GOP has time and again overlooked public sentiment in giving the Obama administration a mandate to get what it wants, including Obamacare.
“The Republican leadership in Washington don’t seem to get that message,” Flynn said.
Flynn said it was wrong for GOP leaders to try to bypass a primary and anoint State Sen. Darin LaHood of Peoria for the seat that Aaron Schock held before he resigned in March. Donald Reints of Benson is also seeking the post.
Democrats Adam Lopez of Springfield and Rob Mellon of Quincy have also filed to run in the July 10 primary. The general election will be on Sept. 10.
PODCAST: Listen to Flynn’s interview with Scott and Colleen on WJBC.
Eric Stock can be reached at [email protected].
