* Yesterday…

The Illinois Freedom Caucus is calling on Republican members of the Illinois House to boycott tomorrow’s address by retiring U.S. Senator Dick Durbin.

“For decades, Senator Durbin has championed the failed policies that have hurt working families in Illinois and across America — from reckless spending and open-border policies to attacks on conservative values and constitutional freedoms,” said Rep. Adam Niemerg. “His record stands in direct opposition to the America First movement supported by millions of Americans.”

Many also have not forgotten Senator Durbin comparing American interrogators to Nazis during debate over Guantanamo Bay detainee policies, an outrageous attack against Americans who simply believed in protecting national security.

“Republican lawmakers should not participate in celebrating a political legacy rooted in failed leadership and contempt for conservative voters,” Niemerg said. “Republicans should stand with the people, not political theater honoring one of the architects of our decline.”

The Illinois Freedom Caucus encourages Republican members to respectfully boycott tomorrow’s address and spend that time communicating what is going on in Springfield back to their districts.
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The Illinois Freedom Caucus is comprised of State Representatives Chris Miller (R-Hindsboro), chairman; Blaine Wilhour (R-Beecher City), vice-chairman; Adam Niemerg (R-Dieterich); Brad Halbrook (R-Shelbyville); Jed Davis (R-Newark); David Friess (R-Red Bud) and State Senator Andrew Chesney (R-Freeport). The members of the Illinois Freedom Caucus are members of the General Assembly who are advocating for limited government, lower taxes and accountability, and integrity in government.

* JB Pritzker campaign today…

Quote attributable to JB for Governor campaign spokesperson:

“The Illinois Freedom Caucus’s call to boycott Senator Durbin’s address to the General Assembly is disrespectful and an embarrassment to our state. Senator Durbin has spent decades fighting for Illinois families, and this is how the far-right extremists in the Freedom Caucus honor that service.

“Let’s be clear about who we’re dealing with: this is the same Freedom Caucus that Darren Bailey was once a proud member of. His old allies – the same ones who joined his call to split up Illinois – are once again resorting to political stunts because they know their agenda is too extreme for Illinois.”

* Democratic Party of Illinois…

Yesterday, the Illinois Freedom Caucus called on Illinois Republicans to boycott Senator Dick Durbin’s address to the General Assembly. In response, the Democratic Party of Illinois shared the following statement:

“The Democratic Party of Illinois condemns the Illinois Freedom Caucus’s boycott and demands that Illinois Republican leadership denounce the far-right wing of their own party. Senator Durbin has spent decades delivering for Illinois families, and he deserves better than this.

Newly elected ILGOP Chair Bob Grogan, House Minority Leader Tony McCombie, Senate Minority Leader John Curran, and ILGOP gubernatorial candidate Darren Bailey must reject these calls from the extreme wing of their party. Senator Durbin’s career of public service deserves more than cheap political stunts.”

Meh. If they attended, they’d probably heckle the guy.

…Adding… Don Tracy…

U.S. Senate candidate Don Tracy issued the following statement regarding Senator Dick Durbin’s farewell speech today:

“I want to thank Senator Dick Durbin for his long service to Illinois. We have real policy differences, but I respect his years of dedication to our state. This seat has been held for a long time. The question now is what comes next for Illinois. You can respect someone’s service and still believe it’s time for a new direction.

“Today, Illinois families are facing high costs of living, serious public safety concerns, and a state that’s lagging far behind almost all states economically and in population growth. I am running to replace Senator Durbin because I think most Illinois voters are ready for strong, common sense leadership focused on solving problems and preserving the American Dream for the next generation.

“Today signals the end of a long chapter in Illinois politics. Soon the voters will decide the direction Illinois and the country takes from here, and the torch will pass to a new US Senator from Illinois. If that is me, I will represent all of Illinois in DC, not just Chicago, for the common good.