Dan Caulkins says he has rules he lives by when it comes to the world of politics.
“I think every candidate has to run their own campaign,” he told the Macon Reporter. “Every candidate has to have their own comfort level about the things they elect to become involved with over the course of their campaign.”
Caulkins, a Decatur Republican vying for the seat held by retiring Rep. Bill Mitchell (R-Forsyth) in the 101st District, said he’s not particularly bothered by news Gov. Bruce Rauner is refusing to debate Rep. Jeanne Ives (R-Wheaton) prior to their Republican primary showdown next month.
“I would be open to debate with my primary candidate, no strings attached,” he said. “But again, I can understand someone else taking a different approach.”
Beyond that, Caulkins said he hasn’t spent a lot of time worrying about the governor’s race and still hasn’t even decided who he plans to vote for.
“I’ve been largely focused on my own race,” he said. “I will say whoever wins the primary, come the next morning, as Republicans, that is the candidate we should all be supporting.”
As for his own campaign, Caulkins said the question he is most asked by voters is, do you think you can really stand up for district?
“Everybody has the same concerns about Springfield and want to see (House Speaker Mike) Madigan and the career politicians swept out to save Illinois,” he said. “We got to straighten things out. People want to know why politicians never do what they want, and instead seem only concerned about their friends.”
Caulkins said his own message has been well-received by the voters he’s talked with and that people seem connected by their concerns.
“They're looking for someone who’s not just going to Springfield as the next step on the ladder,” he said. “That gives me hope that people are willing to invest the kind of emotional interest that’s needed to get me elected.”
The 101st House District includes parts of Champaign, McLean, Dewitt, Macon and Piatt counties.
Alerts Sign-up