Republican candidates running as a statewide “slate” tour central Illinois

Posted on March 8, 2022
Richard Irvin, a Republican candidate for governor, spoke to reporters after a Springfield rally Monday evening. (Dave Dahl/WJBC)

By Dave Dahl

SPRINGFIELD – Criticized for not facing reporters, the Republican “slate” of candidates sponsored by Chicago billionaire Ken Griffin is now changing that.

Following a Springfield rally Monday evening, Aurora mayor Richard Irvin – running for governor – was asked about his previous support for Democrats.

“That’s exactly what (Gov.) JB Pritzker wants to be talking about. Wants to be talking about the past and not the future,” Irvin responded. “The future in the state of Illinois is who’s going to be the next best governor for this state. Who is going to be able to make a difference. I’ve succeeded in so many areas where he has failed.”

In addition to being mayor, Irvin is a veteran who has been both a prosecutor and defense attorney. When asked how promoting a defense practice for those accused of, for example, domestic violence, Irvin said everybody is presumed innocent until proven guilty, and everybody accused should have the best defense possible. And, Irvin added, those who are guilty go to jail.

Other candidates on the Griffin-backed slate are: State Rep. Avery Bourne (R-Morrisonville) for lieutenant governor; former Sangamon County prosecutor and U.S. attorney John Milhiser for secretary of state; repeat candidate Steve Kim for attorney general; McHenry County auditor Shannon Teresi for comptroller; and State Rep. Tom Demmer (R-Dixon) for treasurer.

Dave Dahl can be reached at [email protected]

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