Military veteran Rafael Him entered the race for the Illinois Senate seat from District 54 by tendering a contract to voters that “puts citizens above politicians.”
Him, who spent 22 years in the Air Force, is running to replace retiring Sen. Kyle McCarter (R-Lebanon).
“What I’m going to bring is optimism, and I’m going to fight for a balanced budget and free market ideas,” Him told the Belleville News-Democrat. “I’m going to keep fighting and fighting. It’s an uphill battle, but a winnable battle.”
Rafael Him
On his website, Him likewise pledges to fight for greater fiscal responsibility, a balanced budget, lower taxes and established term limits.
Currently a trustee in New Baden, Him has also served on the Clinton County Board. He said his military experience has made him good at remaining focused and seeing every task all the way through.
“I want to help everybody, not just a select few,” Him said. “I want to bring everybody under one tent and not just fight for Republican or Democratic ideas. I want to fight for the good of the people.”
Him said one of his first orders of business will be addressing the reasons so many residents are fleeing the state, wth rising taxes, deep budget debt and handcuffing regulations chief among contributing factors.
With Veterans Day fast approaching, Him also offered a message with military members:
“For generations, our men and women in uniform have continued to serve our great Nation with honor and courage, often at great personal cost,” he said. “Their service has guaranteed us our freedoms. Because of the commitment and professionalism of Americas Soldiers, Sailors, Marines, Airmen and Coast Guardsmen, we are a free nation and our fighting forces remain unparalleled anywhere in the world.
“Throughout our history we have witnessed remarkable examples of their selfless acts. They’ve brought freedom and hope to millions of people around the globe. The true number of people they have liberated cannot be calculated and the number of memorials doesn’t begin to represent the true scope of service our veterans have provided.
“The debt owed to our nation’s Veterans is one we cannot ever fully repay, and it is imperative that on this Veterans Day, we take this day to keep alive the sacrifices and deeds of our nation’s veterans.
I encourage each of us to pause and think about the contributions millions of veterans have made in defense of our nation’s security. Seek out a veteran you know, shake his or her hand and say thank you. Please also keep those service members deployed around the globe and their families serving at home, in your thoughts and prayers. For these men and women have always and will continue to answer the high call to service.”
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