Brady opponent backs Ives to oust Rauner

Posted on November 15, 2017

David Paul Blumenshine, challenging State Rep. Dan Brady in the March primary, said he supports conservative Jeanne Ives for Illinois governor. (Photo courtesy of Facebook/David Paul Blumenshine for State Representative.)

By Howard Packowitz

BLOOMINGTON – The man challenging long-time State Rep. Dan Brady of Bloomington in the Republican Primary is taking sides in the Illinois governor’s race.

Local real estate broker David Paul Blumenshine said he’s backing conservative State Representative Jeanne Ives of Wheaton to defeat incumbent Republican Governor Bruce Rauner.

“She definitely has what it takes as far as leadership,” said Blumenshine.

“She’s a voice of reason right now in the chaos,” he added.

Rep. Brady declined to make an endorsement because he said it’s too soon to know for sure who will be on the ballot.

Blumenshine is supporting Ives after Rauner supported the so-called Trust Act, which prohibits local law enforcement officials from asking people about their immigration status or holding them without a warrant.

Rauner also angered conservatives by signing a bill expanding taxpayer-funded abortions.

“In light of what has transpired during the governor’s term, I think it’s very evident where it’s trending, and that’s from Chicago down to O’Fallon,” Blumenshine said.

Brady and Blumenshine are vying for the GOP nomination in the 105th District, which includes McLean County, large portions of Bloomington-Normal, and parts of Livingston County.

U-High Theatre and English teacher Benjamin Webb is so far the only Democrat in the race.

Howard Packowitz can be reached at [email protected]

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