He ran for a senate seat, won it and is now giving it up to be with his family…Jason Barickman retires as the 53rd district senator and Scott Preston was mentioned as a possible successor by Barickman.
“Last year, a year and a half ago I didn’t have any clarity. I have three kids and this November election was disappointing. I thought we had a shot to bring more balance to our government in Illinois. When you got young kids, the bets thing I can do is to be there for them right now,” said Jason Barickman.
Barickman is a developer and he never intended to be a full time politician. Barickman said is professional life will continue and that he will have more of his day back because he is stepping out of the public service arena.
“I enjoyed policy debate and I will greatly miss that,” said Barickman. “The November elections…I wanted a different outcome.”
Barickman said there was no conflict between his business in real estate and being a senator.
“There are restrictions on what legislators can do in the private life,but real estate development is not on that list,” said Barickman.
He did receive some push back from Wintergreen residents about a recent development of his. There is a housing shortage in Bloomington-Normal. A study from earlier this year did show we need abut 8,000 housing units to fill a need in this community.
“I heard through the grapevine, Scott Preston maybe…Mike Kirkton from the Gridley area. I trust Republicans will voice their opinions on this,” said Barickman.
Why didn’t Barickman just endorse someone to run in 2022?
“I never felt that this seat was mine to control or to give to anyone,” said Barickman. “It is really up to the party folks, whether people like that or not we do live in a country where the political parties have a say. I have come through that process and have earned the support and trust of Republicans, and I trust my successor will too.”
Will it be easier for a Democrat to take that seat now?
“Knowing the party officials and the Republican activists they will pick someone who will be electable. We all love lots of different people in politics but the name of the game is winning and if you win you can advance conservative principles in a state that’s dominated by Democrats,” said Barickman.
Who is filling this seat?
Jason Barickman, a retiring state senator, mentioned two names: Mike Kirkton and Scott Preston. Mike Kirkton came in third in his primary race for the 105th district that was ultimately won by Dennis Tipsword. Preston lost to Sharon Chung in the midterm election on Nov. 8 2022. Preston, according to State Rep. Tom Bennett, has thrown his support behind him.
Bennett said he is pursuing the 53rd Senate district seat.
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Photo courtesy to Tom Bennett for State Representative, 106 District Facebook page
“I believe with my experience as a State representative for 8 years, the relationships I have developed will help me hit the ground running as the next senator,” said Bennett.
There are 13 counties within the district and the chairmen and Republicans, precinct committeemen, will be involved with the process of voting in the next senator.
There’s weighted votes and there’s a percentage that each county has. McLean county ranks third on the list. Livingston ranks first and Iroquois ranks second. With no one having 18%, it’ll take a coalition to appoint Barickman’s successor. That person will serve until a special election in 2024 to fill the final two years of a four-year term. McLean county has 14.67% of the vote.
“I did reach out to Mike and we had a good conversation. No commitments there…” said Bennett. “Scott Preston did say he would support me in a phone call. There’s a lot of things happening in a short period of time, so I am sure people want to get this together quickly. ”
Lame duck session will start in early January. Barickman will be out by Jan. 10, 2023.
In a Facebook post Tom Bennett said: “Service to my district is an honor I enjoy every day. I have been contacted by community leaders, reporters, and wonderful members of the 53rd Senate district regarding my interest in filling the big shoes of Jason Barickman. I am grateful for this support and yes, I am pursuing the 53rd Senate Seat.
I am interested in using my years of experience as a state representative and Republican county chairman, as well as my relationships and knowledge, to hit the ground running in the Senate. I appreciate your support and prayers as I talk with county chairmen in the district who will vote on the appointment.”