Marron won’t run for Shimkus seat
Thursday, Sep 12, 2019 - Posted by Rich Miller
* Earlier this month…
Standing two blocks from where he was sworn in a year ago as state representative of the 104th district, Republican Mike Marron announced a possible new political direction Tuesday — a run for Congress.
“Certainly serving in Springfield has been one of my most humbling honors, and giving up that seat is something I don’t take lightly,” said Marron, who was joined by his wife, daughter, father and supporters in front of the Vermilion County Administration building, where he served as county board chairman.
Tuesday’s event came less than a week after 12-term U.S. Rep. John Shimkus, R-Collinsville, announced plans to vacate his seat in Washington, D.C., next year. Among those on hand in downtown Danville: former state Rep. Chad Hays, whose decision to step away from Springfield led to Marron’s appointment a year ago.
* Today…
State Rep. Mike Marron released the following statement announcing his intention to run for reelection for state representative:
“While it truly would be an exciting undertaking and a true honor to serve as your Congressman, I have decided that this is not the right time. While it wasn’t an easy decision, it is the right decision for me and my family right now. Family is very important to me and will always remain a high priority. That means spending important time with my daughter as she grows, as well as being available to help out on our family farm.
“I do want to thank everyone across the 15th Congressional District for the outpouring of support. The number of people who have reached out to say they were behind my candidacy and offer their assistance has truly been humbling. I appreciate every phone call, text, and email. Your outpouring makes this an extra tough decision.
* In other news…
A political action committee that is an outgrowth of the conservative tea party movement in Congress is backing former state Rep. Jeanne Ives over former Lt. Gov. Evelyn Sanguinetti for the Republican nomination to challenge first-term Democratic U.S. Rep. Sean Casten.
Ives, of Wheaton, received the backing of the House Freedom Fund, a PAC chaired by Republican U.S. Reps. Jim Jordan of Ohio, Mark Meadows of North Carolina and Scott Perry of Pennsylvania, in her bid for the GOP nomination in the west and northwest suburban 6th Congressional District.
Jordan also is a co-founder and the first chairman of the House Freedom Caucus, which was formed in 2015 with the aim of pushing the House GOP leadership to the right on fiscal and social issues and has sought more power for rank-and-file members. Meadows is stepping down next month after 2 1/2 years as chairman of the group of about 36 conservative lawmakers.
- Oswego Willy - Thursday, Sep 12, 19 @ 10:27 am:
Slip and Sue has no constituency, not unlike the guy who “hired” her. She’ll need some magic.
The question for Ives is how far angry-right can she go before her own issues and Trump make things less than ideal in the suburbs?
- Say What? - Thursday, Sep 12, 19 @ 10:35 am:
Mike Marron is a very good man. He was the Vermilion County Party Chair when the Republicans regained control of the County Board for the first time in 25 years. He set and completed audacious goals including Republicans taking every County-wide elected office, every Judgeship, et. al.
He became County Board Chair and did a stellar job and is one of the truly bright, balanced, thoughtful new Republicans in the House and is the future of conscience and reason for the GOP.
He also took the tough votes necessary, even as a Freshman, while some in the GOP leadership cowered under their desks. He is the real deal.
- DarkHorse - Thursday, Sep 12, 19 @ 10:51 am:
Per Say What?, Marron sounds impressive.
Why does this race feel like it’s going to be Harold vs. Plummer?
- Lord of the Fries - Thursday, Sep 12, 19 @ 10:53 am:
It’s funny seeing Ives try to change her tone in her announcement video and run away from Trump when asked about him knowing she needs to be more moderate to win the district.
But then she turns around and chases endorsements from Freedom Works and these guys? The craziest of the Congress crazies? Pick a lane Jeanne.
- Taste of Wheaton - Thursday, Sep 12, 19 @ 10:59 am:
It should be noted that in the 6th Congressional district, there’s a third candidate, Jay kinzler, who has recently announced at the local political meetings his intention to run.
- Oswego Willy - Thursday, Sep 12, 19 @ 10:59 am:
===Marron sounds… ===
… smart enough to know that seat is vanishing and deciding to primary one or more senior Congress Critters and then losing is a great way in 3 years to be out of politics for a while.
The Shimkus seat is a “rent, not buy” type of job situation
- Da Big Bad Wolf - Thursday, Sep 12, 19 @ 11:05 am:
I’m also impressed with Marron, especially after he fought so hard to protect his constituents from Dynergy’s coal ash pondson the Vermilion River. I hope his replacement can continue the fight.
- Say What? - Thursday, Sep 12, 19 @ 11:49 am:
===I hope his replacement can continue the fight====
There likely will not be a replacement for Rep. Marron as he is running for the IL House seat in the 104th District again.
- Da Big Bad Wolf - Thursday, Sep 12, 19 @ 11:53 am:
Replacement in the 104th district.
- Say What? - Thursday, Sep 12, 19 @ 2:20 pm:
He actually serves in the Illinois House of Representatives in the 104th District. Hence, will likely be re-elected and there will not be a “replacement”.
The open seat is the US House seat in the 15th District.
- John Lopez - Thursday, Sep 12, 19 @ 4:40 pm:
Taste of Wheaton: If Dr. Jay Kinzler is really going to run for Congress, he better get his FEC paperwork into the FEC stating he is a candidate so he can start raising money.
- Da Big Bad Wolf - Friday, Sep 13, 19 @ 6:14 am:
Ok