Jim Rule, chairman of the Tazewell County Republicans, said Gov. JB Pritzker’s involvement in the Senate primary highlights his own political ambitions and is fueling a divisive race that exposes fractures within Democratic leadership. Rule shared that statement with the Peoria Standard.
The comments come as Illinois’ Senate primary draws attention for high spending and internal divisions among Democrats. The outcome of this race is seen as significant because the winner is likely to succeed retiring Sen. Dick Durbin, according to The Wall Street Journal.
“Governor Pritzker’s deep involvement in this Senate primary highlights a troubling focus on advancing his own political ambitions. By heavily backing his favored candidate, he has helped spark a divisive race that is laying bare serious fractures among Illinois Democratic leaders. Voters across the state expect leadership that serves local communities rather than personal political strategies. This contest should be a clear warning that Illinois Democrats are not committed to transparency or putting residents first,” Rule said.
The Wall Street Journal reported that Gov. JB Pritzker has spent millions supporting his lieutenant governor, Juliana Stratton, in the Senate primary. The Congressional Black Caucus backs Robin Kelly, and another major rival, Raja Krishnamoorthi, leads in fundraising. With the winner likely to succeed retiring Sen. Dick Durbin, the race has drawn attention for its high spending and internal divisions within the Democratic Party.
Rule was first elected chairman of the Tazewell County Republicans in 2018 and is focused on boosting Republican voter turnout, growing party membership, and communicating positions on issues important to Tazewell County voters, according to the organization’s website.
