Trump slams Illinois taxes, job losses in Bloomington rally

Posted on March 13, 2016

By Eric Stock

BLOOMINGTON – Two days after Republican presidential frontrunner Donald Trump’s rally in Chicago was canceled because of clashes between protesters and supporters, his return trip to the Land of Lincoln was a bit more civil.

“We love Illinois, we love Illinois,” Trump proclaimed to about 2,000 supporters at a rally at the Synergy Flight Center.

PODCAST. Listen to Trump’s speech on WJBC.

Trump suggested the U.S. economy is in peril and the Land of Lincoln is in particularly bad shape.

“Illinois is a big example of it,” Trump said. “You are a great example if you really think about it. Your taxes are though the roof. Your companies are leaving you. You have nothing going.”

Trump suggested the rally was a make-good for the canceled rally in Chicago, as supporters cheered at the suggestion they came to Bloomington because the Friday event was canceled because of clashes between protesters and supporters.

“That way I get away with not having to do it again, because I will do it again,” Trump declared.

There were occasional outbursts from protesters, typically when the subject came to immigration.

Trump slammed the proposed Trans-Pacific Partnership saying it will destroy American jobs. When it came to Mexico and the wall he wants to build, protesters spoke out and we soon drowned out by Trumps’ supporters and chants of ‘Trump, Trump’ and ‘USA, USA.’

Trump said he tries to pay no attention to the protesters and added his supporters are being miscast are the bad guys.

“We’re not provoking. We all want peace,” Trump said. “We don’t want trouble.”

About 20 people were peacefully removed from the rally. but police say there no arrests or significant issues.

McLean County Sheriff Jon Sandage said security was a collaborative effort between the sheriff’s office, Bloomington and Normal police, Illinois State Police, Illinois Law Enforcement Alarm System and Secret Service.

Several dozen Trump supporters were seen as early as 5 a.m. to ensure they had a seat for the rally.

The Illinois primary election is on Tuesday.

Eric Stock can be reached at [email protected].

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