Republican governor candidate Richard Irvin expects Gov. J.B. Pritzker to campaign heavily on keeping abortion available. Irvin says Pritzker has to distract from crime, corruption, and a failing economic environment.
Irvin says he’s against abortion. Although he doesn’t expect most Illinois law on it to change with a Democratic legislature, he thinks common ground can be found for restoring parental notification when an underage girl wants an abortion.
Irvin says one of the worst parts of the SAFE-T Act that Gov. Pritzker signed takes effect when 2023 starts. Cash bail requirements will be eliminated in many criminal cases. Supporters of the change say it’ll help those accused of less serious crimes keep control of their lives, return to work, and pay bills. The opponents say offenders can walk right out of the police station and offend again.
Irvin says crime and corruption are out of control in Illinois and his successes as mayor in Aurora show he’s the candidate who can turn Illinois around. He says the state needs to keep businesses in Illinois by reducing taxes, overspending, and duplication of services.
And Irvin claims Gov. Pritzker is interfering in the Republican primary. A recent poll showed Darren Bailey leading among Republican voters with 32% support. Irvin had just 17%. Irvin says some of Pritzker’s anti-Bailey ads actually boost Bailey among Republicans by touting his conservative credentials. Irvin claims Pritzker is doing that to pick a Republican opponent who can’t get Chicago Democratic voters to switch parties. That’s what Irvin says a Republican needs to win the governor’s race.
Irvin talked with people during a campaign stop at a restaurant in Morris today. Primary voting ends Tuesday.