With all precincts reporting, Dan Caulkins has eked out a tight win over his two Republican challengers in his run to replace retiring Rep. Bill Mitchell (R-Forsyth) in the 101st District.
Final tallies had Caulkins capturing 43.94 percent of the vote to 37.98 for Randy Keith and 18.08 for Todd Henricks.
Throughout his campaign, Caulkins painted himself as a difference-maker in a state he said all could agree is heading in the wrong direction.
Dan Caulkins
“I truly believe I can make a difference in Springfield, and that I have the background and ability to bring people together,” he told the Chambana Sun in the final days of the campaign. “That’s what’s in my heart, and I believe I can do this working across the aisle, but without compromising any of the conservative principles I know will be essential to getting Illinois back on the right track.”
Caulkins also talked about how both of his opponents were open to raising property taxes again, while he was staunchly opposed to the idea.
“I know they’re already too high,” he said. “It’s a typical political response to turn to the tax well anytime something goes amiss. Whatever they think the additional funds are needed for, we need to be looking at cost-saving measures instead, things like consolidating government and being more efficient at what we do.”
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