FIRST-TIME STATE SENATE CANDIDATE NOT “AMUSED” BY DISMISSIVE OPPONENT

For Immediate Release:  August 31, 2010

For More Information:  AJ Sheehan (217) 622-3580

Walker Continues Fight to Protect Southern Illinois

FIRST-TIME STATE SENATE CANDIDATE NOT “AMUSED” BY DISMISSIVE OPPONENT

RED BUD, IL – Illinois State Senate candidate Jeremy Walker fired back at the dismissive tone taken by his opponent and the Republican candidate for Governor. Walker stood on the steps of the state fair grandstand in DuQuoin yesterday, promoting the importance of state fairs and the need to promote agriculture in Illinois. Walker said the $8 million economic impact the DuQuoin State Fair has on local business activity outweighs any costs.

Luechtefeld, a fifteen year incumbent, told reporters he was “amused” at the challenge from Walker.

“Bill Brady is on record saying he wants 10 percent across the board cuts,” said Walker. “Yesterday, we got him to promise he would exempt the state fair. I consider that a win for DuQuoin, farmers, and the local economy. But while he and his seat mate in the Senate talk about cutting the budget, Southern Illinoisans sit anxiously awaiting the details of how those cuts will affect our livelihoods.”

At the press conference, Walker challenged his opponent, Dave Luechtefeld, to call on his Senate colleague and gubernatorial candidate, Bill Brady, to exempt Illinois’ state fairs from budget cuts. Brady’s campaign spokesperson later denied he would cut funding for the state fairs.

“It troubles me that Sen. Luechtefeld finds this situation amusing,” Walker said. “With his Senate colleague advocating for ten percent cuts across the board, this type of threat isn’t funny.”

Walker believes there are other important facilities in Southern Illinois that need to be protected. With major correctional facilities and Southern Illinois University serving as economic engines for the region, “across the board cuts” would have a dramatic effect. An avid hunter and sportsman, Walker also says the World Shooting and Recreational Complex built in Sparta in 2006 serves as a tourist destination in Southern Illinois – generating new revenues for the state.

Despite being in the Senate for 15 years, Luechtefeld has not been able to prompt his colleague to promise to protect Southern Illinois traditions like the fair and attractions like the shooting complex.

“This kind of dismissive tone by our officials in Springfield is exactly what has angered so many residents in our area,” Walker claimed. “I admit as a first-time candidate I may not have all the answers, but after 15 years in office, we deserve more leadership and answers from Senator Luechtefeld and our elected officials. Voters expect more than partisan excuses and empty rhetoric and they have a right to know what campaign slogans really mean to their everyday lives.”

About Jeremy Walker – Jeremy Walker (D-Red Bud) is a first-time candidate for the Illinois State Senate. He is running against fifteen-year incumbent Senator Dave Luechtefeld (R-Okawville). Jeremy grew up on his family’s farm in rural Illinois. After graduating from Red Bud High School, Jeremy attended Belleville Area College (now SWIC) where he received his associate’s degree. Jeremy later attended SIU-C and received his bachelor’s degree in political science and minored in agribusiness before receiving his law degree from SIU-C as well. Jeremy lives in Red Bud with his wife, Jennie, and their newborn, Grayson Glenn.