Chambana Sun

Republican House hopeful Dan Caulkins believes true conservatives should support Gov. Bruce Rauner’s re-election effort despite their many disappointments in his first term.

“We had a primary election and the outcome of that means he’s the Republican candidate,” Caulkins told the Chambana Sun. “It’s important that we come together as a party to send Republicans to Springfield.”

The Chicago Tribune reports Rauner used the recent Illinois State Fair to echo that very message, along with reminding everyone that he’s not (Democratic gubernatorial candidate) J.B. Pritzker or House Speaker Mike Madigan.

Gov. Bruce Rauner

It’s a message that Caulkins, challenging Democrat Jennifer McMillin in the 101st District, hopes party leaders can rally around.

“We need to keep the Governor’s Mansion in Republican hands because that is the only person that can veto Madigan and Pritzker’s agenda,” he said. “That is the only way that Republicans will have a significant voice in the next remap that, in many ways, will shape this state.”

As for all the disappointment, some conservatives might still feel regarding Rauner’s first four years in office, which saw him sign off on abortion expansion with House Bill 40 and gay rights legislation, Caulkins said he has a feeling things may be vastly different this time around.

“By sending more Republicans to Springfield, I think we will help Rauner to be more conservative in the way he governs,” he said. “In the House, if we can chip away at the Democratic majority and pick up seats I think the other side will start to see a trend that tells them people really want change. With that, I think everyone will be more willing to work toward real solutions to our problems instead of marching in lockstep with Madigan and the Democratic machine.”

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