The Illinois Health Care Association PAC has thrown its support behind former Decatur City Council member Dan Caulkins in his run to replace retiring Rep. Bill Mitchell (R-Forsyth) in the 101st House District.

Leaders of the nearly 70-year-old nonprofit organization comprised of more than 500 licensed and certified long-term care facilities and homes and programs for the developmentally disabled have long considered Caulkins a natural based on his more than 25 years as a service provider to seniors and disabled adults.

“Dan has a track record that proves he is uniquely qualified to represent the voiceless and underserved,” the organization said in a press release.

Caulkins said his motivation for running revolves around his drive to serve.

“I’ve always believed being a state representative should not be a job but a public service,” he added in the release. “I won’t accept a salary or benefits if I’m elected. I’m not in this for the perks, and I’m not here to play politics. I’m going to Springfield to do my part to help the people of our district and the state of Illinois.”

Caulkins also served more than two decades in the U.S. Army.

 The 101st House District includes parts of Champaign, McLean, Dewitt, Macon and Piatt counties.