Columnist announces retirement, candidacy
Friday, May 20, 2016 - Posted by Rich Miller
* Longtime columnist Jim Muir is leaving the Southern Illinoisan to run for countywide office…
A couple months ago I was approached by the Franklin County Republican Party about running for circuit clerk in the November election. After looking the situation over from top to bottom, seeking the counsel of wise friends and much, much prayer I decided it was the right thing to do at the exact right time in my life. From the moment I said ‘yes’ I have been totally at peace with the decision.
I want to stress that while I am running as a republican, I will continue to be an independent voice and thinker. I learned many years ago that neither party – Democrats or Republicans – have the market cornered on good people and fresh, new ideas. Admittedly, I am not a politician, and while I might be perceived as naïve in some people’s eyes, I still believe that one person and one voice can be a difference-maker. My goal is to be that person and that voice.
I understand that going up against an incumbent Democrat in Franklin County is a big challenge and an uphill battle. The only guarantee that I can give is that nobody will outwork me … nobody.
When making a life-changing decision like this at age 62 I immediately thought of an old adage that I’ve used often. It says: ‘I’d rather have a life of ‘oh-wells’ than a life of ‘what-ifs.’
Good luck, Jim!
- wordslinger - Friday, May 20, 16 @ 10:12 am:
“I am not a politician…”
…embarking on a political race for the wholly political office of circuit clerk.
Works for some.
- Nieva - Friday, May 20, 16 @ 10:26 am:
Jim is well liked down here but trying to win as a R in Franklin county is about as hard as getting a budget in 2015..
- Saluki - Friday, May 20, 16 @ 10:30 am:
Jim is as good as they come. Best of luck to him.
- Indochine - Friday, May 20, 16 @ 10:32 am:
A Republican in Franklin County. Not an easy row to hoe even with the changing patterns down there. Sincere good luck to him — he is truly an independent voice.
- Bronco Bahma - Friday, May 20, 16 @ 10:41 am:
Most of his columns in the Southern were based on Tea Party logic…often leaving out pertinent facts while inserting willful ignorance in order to bolster the outrage expressed - usually in the direction of President Obama. In short, run-of-the-mill pandering to the GOP “base.” Good luck to him running as a Republican in Franklin County. But who knows, name recognition goes a long way in these local races…and the “Trump by a landslide” crowd could make a difference in places like Franklin County.
- The Equalizer - Friday, May 20, 16 @ 10:47 am:
This is the guy that called the Illinois Policy Institute an independent think-tank. He is no independent voice. He has an agenda, like most politicians on both sides.
- Under Influenced - Friday, May 20, 16 @ 10:52 am:
“I will continue to be an independent voice and thinker.”
I almost spit coffee onto my lap after reading that. Ever listen to his radio show that used to be on late…late at night on some AM station….independent….right.
- jim - Friday, May 20, 16 @ 11:06 am:
maybe by independent he means that he thinks for himself and makes up his own mind. just because he doesn’t share ‘under influenced’ views doesn’t mean he’s not an independent thinker.
by the way, never heard of the guy until today.
- A guy - Friday, May 20, 16 @ 11:45 am:
Good for him. No one knows til someone tries.
- Formerly Known As... - Friday, May 20, 16 @ 1:06 pm:
Jim would do great. Good luck Jim!
- Commonsense in Illinois - Friday, May 20, 16 @ 1:58 pm:
Now Jim can write about all the nefarious “insider” deals available only to the Franklin County Circuit Cle…oh wait…