Metro East Sun

A tour of state Senate hopeful Hal Patton’s new campaign digs was more than a housewarming, as the 56th District candidate also was endorsed by U.S. Rep. John Shimkus (R-Illinois).

“Hal Patton is a conservative Republican who understands that Illinois can’t tax and regulate its way to prosperity,” Shimkus announced at the open house, according to a report on RiverBender.com. “His pro-growth, pro-taxpayer policies have led to the creation of over 3,000 jobs in the metro-east area and an unemployment rate well below the state average.”

The open house and endorsement effectively served as a relaunch to Patton’s campaign, which was thrown into question after he was barred from the primary ballot. He was re-instated after petitioning to be added in November as a Downstate United Party candidate, meeting the 5,201 signature threshold with 9,000 signatures, Ballot Access News reported.

Rachelle Aud Crowe

Patton is running against Democrat Rachelle Aud Crowe in November's general election.

“I’m honored to receive the endorsement of Congressman Shimkus,” Patton told the RiverBender.  “Congressman Shimkus has fought for and brought a voice to Washington for the hard-working people of the Metro East and Downstate Illinois. I intend to follow Congressman Shimkus’ lead and fight for pro-growth policies in Springfield.”

The current mayor of Edwardsville, Patton has been a dentist in his hometown since graduating from the University of Minnesota Dental School.

During Patton's mayoral tenure, Edwardsville has become a poster child for job growth, with 3,000 jobs added and a balanced budget achieved, Riverbender.com stated.

The 56th Senate District includes all or parts of Alton, Collinsville, Edwardsville, Fairview Heights, Granite City, Madison, O’Fallon and Wood River.