Homer Township Supervisor and Will County Board member Steve Balich is questioning the support for GOP gubernatorial candidate Aurora mayor Richard Irvin from the state’s top Republicans.
“The base never liked Irvin!” Balich told Will County Gazette. “The supporters seemed to be those elected to the statewide positions, and candidates that are statewide. The rest of the base said no and until recently were either Rabine or Bailey. Sullivan seems to be getting some support from those leaving the Irvin Camp. [The] problem is only Irvin had money to pass out down-ballot. Conservatives say, teach people to fish, don't just give the food. When candidates just get the money, they don't know or have to start over learning how to fundraise.” “I believe if you follow the money things are easier to figure out. In any event, I back whoever wins the Primary, even if it is Irvin.”
Irvin’s candidacy hasn't been receiving much support compared to his competitors despite $50 million in campaign funds provided by the billionaire Griffin. Amid slumping poll numbers State Rep. Ryan Spain (R-Peoria) has switched his endorsement from Irvin to downstate entrepreneur Jesse Sullivan, according to Peoria Standard. Spain is one of many rumored to be abandoning the Irvin campaign. The move away from the Irvin campaign by entrenched Republicans came just before Griffin’s announcement that Citadel would be leaving Chicago.
As the gubernatorial primary season comes to a close, State Senator Darren Bailey (R-Xenia) has established a sizable lead in the polls. According to surveys, 32% of participants noted support for Bailey, compared to 17% for Irvin. The only other contender to get support in the double digits was Sullivan, who received 11% of the vote. Paul Schimpf, a former state senator, had 6% of the vote, followed by Gary Rabine, a businessman, with 4%, and Max Solomon, with 2%, according to WGLT.
Jim Durkin, the minority leader in the Illinois House, is reportedly trying to rally support from other candidates to help him maintain his position as the party's leader despite the fast collapse of the Irvin campaign to which he lent his deputy chief of staff and spokeswoman. While sources claim Durkin has objected to other party members becoming engaged in down-ballot contests, Durkin has been enjoying supporting GOP primary candidates of his choice with thousands of dollars in campaign funding.
Ken Griffin, the billionaire CEO of Citadel Securities, announced his firm’s move from Chicago prior to the June 28 primary. Griffin bankrolled Irvin’s campaign with an estimated $50 million.
Alerts Sign-up