* Chicago Tribune 2020 endorsement…

Still, first-time candidate Mary Miller of Oakland, a conservative Republican who manages a farm with her husband, Illinois Rep. Chris Miller, would be a good fit for this Downstate district. She supports regulatory reforms and trade to spur economic growth and knows that unless her district creates more jobs, it will see even more people leave.

Yesterday…

US Rep. Mary Miller at DC rally: “Hitler was right on one thing. He said ‘Whoever has the youth has the future’” https://t.co/vDhDszt2fq

— Rich Miller (@capitolfax) January 6, 2021

From a statement given to me by Will Nesbitt, Rep. Miller’s Northern Regional Director…

Congresswoman Miller’s comments are unfortunate and serious. They do not belong in our political discourse and they do not represent my beliefs and values. And for that reason, I resigned effective January 6.

US Rep. Seth Moulton talked about what it was like when members fled the House floor ahead of the violent mob yesterday and huddled together in a secure location…

I also saw a small group of Republicans, of course the most conservative Trump allies, proudly refusing to wear masks even in this incredibly crowded room. We were brought there for our safety by the Capitol Police, but these colleagues were imperiling our safety by refusing to wear their masks. I took out my phone to snap a picture of them and suddenly, one of them, this new freshman from Illinois, verbally assaulted me, got right in my face. It’s interesting that she was suddenly afraid of being outed for her hypocrisy.

* Chicago Tribune 2020 endorsement…

Voters statewide know Republican Rep. Mike Bost of Murphysboro as the member of the Illinois House who railed against the Democratic stranglehold on the legislative process in a moment of frustration on the floor. Papers flew. We can relate. In Washington, Bost has found a niche as an advocate for veterans and farmers and a member of one of our favorite groups, the Problem Solvers, who work across the aisle when most members of the House decline.

Yesterday…

As expected, @RepBost and @RepMaryMiller voted to object to the Electoral College results certifying @JoeBiden as president https://t.co/BPsHhvkicr

— Kelsey Landis (@kelseylandis) January 7, 2021

* Chicago Tribune 2020 endorsement…

Republican incumbent Blaine Wilhour of Beecher City is a small businessman who wonders why state government can’t embrace the same sensible budgeting approach that small businesses apply. Stop the irresponsible spending, Wilhour says, and stop relying on taxpayers to bail out the state with measures such as the Democrats’ proposed graduated income tax. It is pitched as a tax on the wealthy, but when the next fiscal crisis rolls around, it’s a fair bet that middle-class taxpayers will be next in line for a rate hike. Democrat Dave Seiler, a history teacher from Effingham, says he would strengthen connections with constituents through weekly town hall forums. We endorse Wilhour.

Yesterday…

When asked to provide specific irregularities, or if he personally believed there was fraud in the 2020 general election, Wilhour said: “I don’t have the evidence to tell you yes or no and I never pretended to.”

* Chicago Tribune 2020 endorsement…

Rep. Chris Miller, R-Oakland, says the scale of corruption in state government is one reason why companies think twice about moving commerce and jobs to Illinois. He wants strong ethics reform, including a ban on lawmakers becoming lobbyists once they leave office, and strengthening the authority of the legislative inspector general’s office. He faces Independent candidate Kody Czerwonka an accountant from Montrose. Miller is endorsed.

Yesterday…

Moments before a riotous mob stormed the US Capitol, Illinois state Representative Chris Miller, husband to Congresswoman Mary Miller, railed against “dangerous Democrat terrorists,” and said “we’re in a great cultural war to see which worldview will survive.” pic.twitter.com/kJW2GtRbvq

— Mark Maxwell (@MarkMaxwellTV) January 7, 2021

* Chicago Tribune 2020 endorsement…

Rep. Darren Bailey, R-Xenia, causes trouble in Springfield (in a good way) because he doesn’t go with the flow. He challenged Gov. J.B. Pritzker’s stay-home directives in court as executive order overreach. He calls out members of his own party if he believes they’re leading the state in the wrong direction. On taking a legislative pension, which he declined, he says: “I believe that the position of representative and senator are not careers, but should be treated as times of service to our state. It is irresponsible to collect a pension for an elected position while the working-class pensions are in jeopardy.” Right on. Bailey faces Olney business owner Cynthia Given. Voters in this district should send Bailey to the Senate where he can continue to challenge the status quo. He is endorsed.

Yesterday…

Soon to be state Senator Darren Bailey to his Facebook supporters: “We have no idea of knowing if, uh, what part these people who have stormed the Capitol, uh, you know, where they stand or who they are. We don’t know.”

What a cowardly lie. pic.twitter.com/jAZETBKxVB

— Mark Maxwell (@MarkMaxwellTV) January 7, 2021

“Right on.”

*** UPDATE 1 *** Cynthia Given, the Democratic candidate against Darren Bailey, just reached out to say the Tribune editorial board never contacted her about its endorsement process.