Metro East Sun

After visiting Decatur and Rock Island County yesterday, Rep. Jeanne Ives (R-Wheaton) is taking her gubernatorial campaign to Central and Southern Illinois to meet with residents and the press in Springfield, Troy and Glen Carbon.

Ives has been traveling to various regions of the state to petition for a spot on the 2018 gubernatorial race against Gov. Bruce Rauner. 

“We’re traveling the state to let people know that they have a real option in the governor’s race," Ives said in a previous statement to Rock Island Today. "They feel betrayed by both Gov. Rauner and the longtime political ruling class in Springfield. Places like Rock Island and like Decatur have become the forgotten places in Illinois by the Chicago Democrats who have run this state into the ground. This campaign is committed to helping every Illinoisan and their family succeed.”

Ives will attend a Springfield meet-and-greet at Fox Run Restaurant and Lounge at noon before attending a private meeting in Troy. She will attend a fundraiser at The Studio, 60 School St., in Glen Carbon from 5 to 7 p.m.

Ives contends she is running for governor because Rauner has failed as a Republican leader when he made compromises on vital issues such as abortion, the budget and taxes. Her conservative stance has already garnered her support from various conservative organizations including the Wheatland Township Republican Organization (WTRO).

“We have consistently witnessed Jeanne Ives standing up for the interests of families and business,” WTRO President Stephen Collins said in a press release. “Additionally, she has kept the promise that she made to her constituents, to be a ‘lobbyist for the taxpayer.’  We appreciate her integrity and commitment. We are confident that she has the policy insight and political will to take on Illinois’ deeply entrenched political establishment.”