Rate Raley’s campaign slogan
Monday, Aug 11, 2025 - Posted by Rich Miller
* Riverbender…
Randy Raley is a Democrat challenging Mary Miller to represent the 15th District of Illinois.
Raley recently stopped by “Our Daily Show!” with C.J. Nasello to share his goals for his campaign and his plans for the district if elected. He emphasized that he wants to represent the entire district. […]
Raley believes Democrats have become too concerned with “political correctness,” and the party has lost people in rural America. He stressed that his goal is to represent the entire district.
“It’s not my district. It’s not Mary Miller’s district. It’s the people’s district. It belongs to the people,” he said. “I may have to cast a vote in Washington that I don’t like. But if this is what the people in the district want, then it’s my job to represent them in that way.”
Raley noted that the Democratic primary is St. Patrick’s Day 2026, so he encourages constituents to “get drunk and vote.
[Headline changed. Oops.]
- Socially DIstant Watcher - Monday, Aug 11, 25 @ 11:00 am:
Raley, not Ramey, though I remember him, too.
- 47th Ward - Monday, Aug 11, 25 @ 11:12 am:
He had me at “Get drunk and vote.”
- Streator Curmudgeon - Monday, Aug 11, 25 @ 11:15 am:
Raley sounds like a DINO. Slim chance.
- Candy Dogood - Monday, Aug 11, 25 @ 11:36 am:
Hey, he actually has a website with clearly defined issues. That’s a +1 in my book. Wish him the best.
- Rich Miller - Monday, Aug 11, 25 @ 11:40 am:
===Raley sounds like a DINO. Slim chance.===
He could sound like the coolest dinosaur ever and still have almost zero chance. That district is bursting with Republicans.
- TreeFiddy - Monday, Aug 11, 25 @ 11:44 am:
Like @Socially DIstant Watcher, I briefly did a double-take on the name and thought ol’ Ramey was making a big career change. But even a DINO probably has no chance in that crimson red district.
- Rich Miller - Monday, Aug 11, 25 @ 12:13 pm:
===Raley sounds like a DINO. Slim chance.===
Also, doesn’t your party have enough problems without kicking people out?
- Pundent - Monday, Aug 11, 25 @ 12:14 pm:
While I wholeheartedly embrace the idea of “Get drunk and vote” I expect that you’ll be left with a hangover once you wake up and realize it’s still Miller Time.
- Jackson - Monday, Aug 11, 25 @ 12:19 pm:
Mary Miller will beat Raley like a rented mule.
- Pot calling kettle - Monday, Aug 11, 25 @ 12:38 pm:
Does not appear to be a DINO - read his “about” and “priorities” pages. While he is not likely to win in that district, you never know; an vacant spot on the ballot would have zero chance. On the plus side, his background in radio means he’s got solid communication skills.
To the question: In that district, he clearly understands that in the current climate, his best chance is for a lot of Republicans to use some liquid courage to vote for a Democrat.
Also of note: His bio refers to his “long, strange trip,” which makes me grateful his running.
- Leatherneck - Monday, Aug 11, 25 @ 12:42 pm:
Will Mr. Raley be making an appearance on Brian Raney Avenue Wednesday or any other time before next Sunday? The State Fairgrounds are actually in the 15th District?
- Leatherneck - Monday, Aug 11, 25 @ 12:46 pm:
If Raley actually gets elected I propose that he petition the FCC to get WMAY’s 94.7 Springfield area translator either off the air or moved to a new frequency so that Sangamon County listeners could have a chance to hear his old station (KSHE) again.
- DuPage Saint - Monday, Aug 11, 25 @ 1:24 pm:
The Republicans were doing a heck of a lot better when it was illegal to sell alcohol on election day until after polls closed.
- Cole - Monday, Aug 11, 25 @ 1:54 pm:
I wish this was during 2024 just because I’m mildly curious if Miller over or under performs Trump in the district. Other than that, contesting this seat is useless as a Democrat. Pretty sure this is the most Republican seat in the state, isn’t it?
- Charlie Wheeler - Monday, Aug 11, 25 @ 2:48 pm:
Point of Information
One way to gauge the partisan leanings of a district is by the number of petition signatures needed to file as a party’s candidate. The number is based on the party’s votes cast in that district in the last primary.
According to ISBE, a Republican candidate in the 15th district (Miller) needs at least 1,545 signatures, second only to the 1,555 required in the 16th (LaHood). A Democrat (Raley) needs at least 583, second fewest after the 520 in the 12th (Bost).
Respectfully submitted,
Charlie Wheeler
- BE - Monday, Aug 11, 25 @ 4:41 pm:
Does he give a definition of political correctness? The one I know is ‘treating people as if they are people’. That whole ‘golden rule’ thing.
And maybe it’s just me, but I would have said vote, then go drinking, since I’d prefer people not be under the influence while voting.