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Shimkus won’t endorse in gubernatorial primary

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* Republican Congressman John Shimkus on St. Louis Public Radio…

Shimkus said he is staying out of next year’s Republican gubernatorial primary, and has no plans to endorse any of the likely contenders. Incumbent GOP Gov. Bruce Rauner is expected to face more conservative Republican challengers. Many social conservatives were upset that Rauner signed a bill allowing Medicaid and state-based insurance to cover abortions in some cases. “We thought that he would stay out of some of the socially-divisive issues,” Shimkus said. “He did not.” But the congressman added that he will support the GOP victor in the 2018 general election.

* From November 1st…

U.S. Rep. Darin LaHood, R-Peoria, says he’s not sure who he will support for governor in 2018.

“I was and continue to be very disappointed that Governor (Bruce) Rauner signed HB40 allowing taxpayer funded abortions throughout the state of Illinois,” LaHood said in a written response to a question from The State Journal-Register. “I am currently focused on my own re-election to the 18th Congressional District. I plan to wait and see who ends up filing to run for governor before making any decision on an endorsement.”

LaHood added in an interview that Rauner has not asked for an endorsement.

“I would be happy to meet with him and give him every consideration,” LaHood said. “I believe it was a mistake to sign HB40, and I want assurances moving forward that he’s not going to make this kind of mistake again … because I think that’s going to hurt him.”

LaHood has some very active tea party chapters in his district.

* October 20th…

U.S. Rep. Peter Roskam, R-Ill., is rethinking his support for Gov. Bruce Rauner given the governor’s recent signature on a bill that expands the public funding of abortion, the congressman told POLITICO.

Roskam, the Ways & Means Tax Policy chairman who is taking a lead role in an effort to overhaul the U.S. tax code, is the highest-ranking elected official in Illinois to potentially pull back from Rauner after the governor signed HB40. The new abortion law — which Rauner had promised to veto — has so infuriated conservatives, they are now talking about drafting a potential primary opponent to challenge Rauner.

Roskam said Rauner’s move to sign the bill was “fundamentally out of step” with his congressional district.

“I’ve got to reevaluate that and I’ll reevaluate that in the right time,” Roskam said Thursday when asked if he still supported Rauner. “Signing HB40 was a huge mistake on the policy and it was a huge mistake on the politics. The policy, this is the home of Henry Hyde, the author of the Hyde Amendment and I am his successor.”

Roskam helped elect Rep. Jeanne Ives and she represents his home town.

posted by Rich Miller
Tuesday, Nov 21, 17 @ 10:10 am

Comments

Perhaps Roskam should be worrying about his own reelection.

Comment by People Over Parties Tuesday, Nov 21, 17 @ 10:19 am
With so many men being outed regarding their past behavior towards women, I am surprised that no one is going after Shimkus for protecting pedophiles in the past.

Comment by Pyrman Tuesday, Nov 21, 17 @ 10:20 am
Not sure using Henry Hyde as some sort of moral compass is wise

Comment by Anonymous Tuesday, Nov 21, 17 @ 10:23 am
Meh, it’s easy for GOP Congresscritters to take a walk from Rauner.

They don’t need his money and they like the odds he won’t be drawing their map.

Comment by wordslinger Tuesday, Nov 21, 17 @ 10:28 am
So proud of my Congressman Shimkus - always a “Profile in Courage”.

Comment by illini Tuesday, Nov 21, 17 @ 10:29 am
===Not sure using Henry Hyde as some sort of moral compass is wise===

What? You mean “youthful indiscretions” is a poor excuse for infidelity when you are in your 50s? Ha ha.

Comment by Ducky LaMoore Tuesday, Nov 21, 17 @ 10:34 am
===With so many men being outed regarding their past behavior towards women, I am surprised that no one is going after Shimkus for protecting pedophiles in the past.===

This times a thousand

Comment by Joe Bidenopolous Tuesday, Nov 21, 17 @ 10:37 am
If you remember Hyde was an an important vote on banning assault rifles. I’m believe he said how could he be pro life and allow assault weapons. Everything is not all black and white

Comment by DuPage Saint Tuesday, Nov 21, 17 @ 10:38 am
Rauner couldn’t find anyone forever to run for Secretary of State, Comptroller, and Treasurer.

Think Rauner has time to go after Congresscritters?

Yeah, me neither.

Comment by Oswego Willy Tuesday, Nov 21, 17 @ 10:50 am
No one cares who this guy endorses.

Comment by Ron Tuesday, Nov 21, 17 @ 10:59 am
==No one cares who this guy endorses.==

In which case, endorsing the incumbent should be the easiest thing in the world for him. But here we are.

Comment by Arsenal Tuesday, Nov 21, 17 @ 11:57 am
What term is Shimkus on now with his term limit promise? Useless.

Comment by Dr X Tuesday, Nov 21, 17 @ 12:23 pm
Dear Dr X, the grease at the congressional level is too great to just walk away from the buffet. Term limits polls well.

Comment by Anonymous Tuesday, Nov 21, 17 @ 12:58 pm
Shimkus is a terrible congressman. He should have been voted out long ago.

Comment by Ron Tuesday, Nov 21, 17 @ 1:16 pm
===JB would be struggling right now if it weren’t for his ad campaign===

And if the grass was blue, the sky might be green.

Comment by Rich Miller Tuesday, Nov 21, 17 @ 1:37 pm