By Dave Dahl/Illinois Radio Network

LEBANON – Changing his mind about term-limiting himself is something for which many downstate Illinoisans will associate with John Shimkus.

A new Republican challenger is here to make sure everyone remembers what Shimkus said then – and how he broke his promise.

Kyle McCarter, a state senator who, like Shimkus, is from the Metro East, wants to represent the southern and eastern Illinois district Shimkus represents now.

“It was supposed to be citizens setting aside time to serve and going back” to their homes and businesses after time in Congress. “Twenty years is enough,” McCarter said of Shimkus.

Not only is Shimkus a promise-breaker, said McCarter, he’s a hypocrite.

“My opponent has marched in front of Planned Parenthood because of the atrocities that we’ve seen, the selling of baby parts,” McCarter said of Shimkus. “Then, just after that, he marches up to Washington and votes for the continuing resolution to fund Planned Parenthood. The people in my district are very upset about this. I’m very upset about this.”

McCarter lives in the 12th District, represented by Mike Bost, and also lives near the 13th and 15th Districts, represented by Rodney Davis and Shimkus, respectively. He said he intends to move to Effingham, which is in the 15th. He said in addition to trying to send Shimkus packing, McCarter said he’s spent his time in the Senate representing much of what is also in the 15th now.

The primary is in March.