Peoria Standard

State Rep. Tim Butler (R-Springfield) asked constituents to suggest nicknames for "the new 95th" legislative district.

"Any nickname suggestions on the shape of the #New95th?" Butler posted on Facebook. "We have had a lot of questions about the new 95th, the district in which I'll be running for election under the (gerrymandered) new legislative maps for the November 2022 election."

Responses are already coming in.

"If you turn it 45 degrees clockwise...it looks like a person sitting down and eating a popsicle," one Facebook user replied. "Nickname: Popsicle man?"

Another suggested the district be named for Springfield's most famous citizen of all time.

"If you use your imagination it could be the shape of Abe’s beard and left sideburn," the user posted.

In the Facebook post, Butler attached a map that explains the boundaries of the new district and signature landmarks within the district. Sangamon is within the new 95th District, as is Macon County. The 95th as it is currently drawn is represented by Rep. Avery Bourne, who has joined the ticket of Aurora Mayor Richard Irvin as his lieutenant governor hopeful.

Butler announced his intention to run to represent the people of the newly drawn 95th district in January.

“Today, I announced that I'll run for election in the new 95th District, which contains parts of Christian, Macon and Sangamon counties,” Butler posted on Facebook. “I look forward to running in this new district and to continue to serve as your voice at the State Capitol.”