Dwight Kay, a Glen Carbon Republican who is running for the seat held by Rep. Katie Stuart (D-Edwardsville) in the 112th House District, thinks Blair Gerber did the only thing he could do.
Gerber, the chairman of the Illinois Lottery Control Board who was appointed by Gov. Bruce Rauner, recently announced his resignation after being widely condemned for referring to East St. Louis as the “sh**hole of the universe” in a Twitter post.
“When you put yourself out as someone who stands for responsibility, you take on a raised level of responsibility, or at least you should,” Kay told the East Central Reporter. “My friends in the GOP don’t speak that way or think that way. In my mind, it’s reprehensible for someone in public office to make those kinds of statements. You have to be more responsible to all people.”
For some, Gerber's words took on even more consequences given that he also serves as a member of the Republican State Central Committee, representing the 9th Congressional District that includes Rauner’s hometown of Winnetka.
“It’s pretty disgusting,” Kay said. “We all get angry and feel some things are unjust. But there is a right way and a wrong way to say things. I have friends in that area, and the level of acceptance for that kind of talk is zero. His resignation is definitely warranted.”
Kay said his own campaign has become about making sure voters know who he is and what he stands for.
“We’re still walking precincts, putting up yard signs and articulating the conservative policy position I thoroughly believe in,” he said. “I will continue to execute the strategy of communicating that message with GOP voters across the area.”
Kay previously served as state representative in the 112th District from 2011 to 2017 and said all his experiences have left him with one overriding view of the best way for doing things. “In politics, you can do just two things,” he said.” You can either stress about what your opponent is doing or you can put head down and work as hard as you can for the things you believe in. We’re committed to doing the latter.”
The 112th District includes Glen Carbon and parts of Maryville, Edwardsville, Collinsville, Granite City and O'Fallon.
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