Metro East Sun

Republican state senate-elect Jason Plummer says he is committed to doing whatever he thinks is needed to get Illinois back on track.

"It will take Republicans and Democrats working together to solve the many serious problems our state is facing,” Plummer recently posted on Facebook. ”J.B. Pritzker is our Governor-elect. I hope he is committed to representing all of Illinois and I will support him when it makes sense for our families, schools, industry, and communities.”

Between now and both men being formally sworn in, Plummer said, he hopes to meet with Pritzker to discuss the best path for the state going forward.

“I'd like to invite him to the 54th District before we are both inaugurated in January,” he posted. “I'd like to take him to some of our communities, schools, and businesses so that we can start the process of trying to find ways to work together. Hopefully we can show the people that the election is over and we are both committed to turning around our great state in a common-sense manner.”

Plummer said he envisions state Rep. Charlie Meier (R-Okawville) and newly elected Blaine Wilhour (R-Beecher City) joining him and Pritzker on their trek across Southern Illinois.

“We have some tremendous people, resources, and assets that are not being fully utilized that I would love you to see,” he added. “People are struggling. Let's get Illinois back on track.”

With roughly 70 percent of the vote, Plummer easily bested Democrat Brian Stout in the Nov. 6 general election in the 54th District. The two were vying to fill the seat left vacant by state Sen. Kyle McCarter (R-Lebanon), who did not seek re-election.

 “My job now is to deliver the voice of the voter to everyone I can in Springfield,” Plummer told the Metro East Sun after all the votes had been counted.

A senior executive with his family-owned lumber company, Plummer based on his campaign platform on a message of property tax reform and term-limit restrictions. He has also vowed not to take a state pension.

The 54th District includes Bond, Clinton, Effingham, Fayette, Madison, Marion, St. Clair and Washington counties.