By Dave Dahl

SPRINGFIELD – State Sen. Darren Bailey (R-Xenia) may be getting more publicity than the other Republicans running for governor, but one political watcher says he still has serious flaws as a candidate.

John Jackson, a visiting professor of political science at Southern Illinois University’s Paul Simon Public Policy Institute, says Bailey lacks true statewide name recognition, let alone statewide organization or a statewide following. “It’s really tough to make that jump.”

What’s more, Bailey – in Jackson’s assessment – made an unforced error by bringing out a running mate – Stephanie Trussell – whose social media past includes screeds opposing now former President Donald Trump. Jackson says there was no need to make a pick for lieutenant governor this early, and now he has one who could damage him.

Now there are reports Chicago billionaire Ken Griffin is planning to bankroll a GOP slate of candidates headed by someone who is neither Bailey nor any of the other three declared Republicans.

While Bailey may not be a household name, covid still is. And, Jackson says, if omicron is not more dangerous than delta, then “in elections, it’s already sort of baked in on both sides.”

Jackson was a panelist on “Capitol View,” a program airing on public television stations in Springfield, Macomb, Quincy, and Carbondale.

Dave Dahl can be reached at [email protected]