West Central Reporter

Jonas Petty is comforted by rumblings that top Republican officials feel the need to “rig” the GOP endorsement process in favor of Gov. Bruce Rauner.

“I look at it as a sign of the times,” Petty told the West Central Reporter. “Hard working men and women have had enough of business as usual in Springfield to kick these guys to the curb. Seeing them having to rig the endorsement process let’s you know just how desperate they are. People are ready to take back their state.”

Petty concedes that won’t come without a fight. In one recent instance, Republican leaders at a Palatine Township Republican Organization endorsement session charged that Chairman Aaron Del Mar, a longtime Rauner supporter and 2016 appointee of his to the Illinois International Port District, argued he wasn’t required to provide other group members with rules for the meeting.

Eyebrows were also raised when Rauner won the Cook County Republican endorsement over Rep. Jeanne Ives (R-Wheaton), despite her winning 55 percent of the city vote.

“Rod Blagojevich went to prison for selling a seat,” Petty said. “That’s how deep this corruption runs. We’re selling the most important seat in Illinois, and it’s both sides. Right now, we could have two billionaires about to face off for the right to be our next governor. Until we get those guys out, nothing will be fixed.”

Petty envisions himself as being part of the change movement. The Pittsfield Republican is running against Rep. C.D. Davidsmeyer (R-Jacksonville) in the GOP primary in the 100th House District.

“Our campaign philosophy is ‘values at work gotta align with your actions,’” Petty said. “Right now, there is a cycle in Springfield of taking care of your own while everyone else is left to suffer.”

Petty said the last few weeks of his campaign will be spent connecting with more voters and making sure they know how much he differs from the typical politician.

“This is about saving the state and putting us back on the right course,” he said. 

The 100th House District includes all or parts of Calhoun, Greene, Jersey, Macoupin, Madison, Morgan, Pike, Sangamon and Scott counties.