Dan Caulkins was at a loss for words late Tuesday night when the final tallies from his impressive win in the GOP primary for the 101st House District seat came pouring in.
“This is validation of our efforts and message,” Caulkins told the Chambana Sun of his hard-fought win over challengers Randy Keith and Todd Henricks in the race to replace retiring Rep. Bill Mitchell (R-Forsyth). “It’s very humbling to watch and I’m humbled by the outpouring of support. It’s hard to describe the feeling of not knowing and watching the returns.”
With all precincts reporting, Caulkins captured 43.94 percent of the vote to 37.98 percent for Keith and 18.08 percent for Henricks.
Dan Caulkins
Throughout his campaign, Caulkins painted himself as a difference-maker.
“We did it,” Caulkins said. “We had a great group that (came) together to volunteer their time and effort. They made this happen and I’m appreciative of their willingness to do this for me, the 101st and Illinois.”
After five straight months of nonstop campaigning, Caulkins said he now plans to take just a couple days off to regroup and reorganize before diving into November’s general election.
“We will sit down and make a plan,” he said. “I’m sure it will be just as strong in November. We plan to go to Springfield.”
Once there, Caulkins said he can see himself working across the aisle for the good of the state, but insists he doesn’t plan on compromising any of the conservative principles he thinks are desperately needed to get the state back on course.
One issue Caulkins seems almost certain to tackle is the subject of rising property taxes.
“I know they’re already too high,” he previously told the Chambana Sun. “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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