Story By Kevin Woodard
As previously reported by Cities 92.9 the 91st district for state house was redrawn as a result of the 2020 census. It now favors a Democrat being elected in what was a Republican district. The amount of funding one Democratic candidate has on hand concerns Republicans.
The district was gerrymandered so that there was no incumbent Republican in the district previously served by Republican Mark Luft of Pekin. Luft is now running for reelection in the 93rd district. The 91st district as redrawn also includes more urban area in both the Bloomington and Peoria regions.
Democrat Karla Bailey-Smith announced her run for the 91st district seat on Nov. 4 2021.
“I’m running because after challenging Keith Sommer in 2020, I recognized so many needs we have here n Central Illinois that are not being met. I decided I want the job of connecting our residents, our organizations and institutions to legislation and resources in Springfield. I’m running because we deserve a representative who is active and engaged in our communities, and have been working to be ready to do this job,” said Bailey.
Bailey ran for the 88th district seat against Republican Sommer of Morton.
Bailey, a painter and scenic artist, told Cities her, “top three goals are to fight for working families and unions, defend human rights and protect our natural environment.”
Democrat Sharon Chung announced her run for the 91st district seat on Feb. 4, 2022 stating, “Right now, we have a really exciting opportunity to have great representation for the Bloomington-Normal Community in Springfield. It’s something we were looking for many years, the way the districts were drawn.”
Chung, a member of the McLean County Board, is a musician and music teacher. She has stated that if elected she would focus on education and green initiatives.
Concerning to Republicans is the amount of cash the Chung campaign has on hand. According to IL Campaign Cash, a website managed by The Center for Illinois Politics, Chung has approximately $30,000 of cash on hand while Republican candidate Scott Preston has $20,000. Bailey-Smith and Republican candidate Jim Fisher currently have no cash on hand. If money equates to votes then Chung is in a great position.
The Preston verses Fisher race creates a conundrum for local Republicans such as McLean County Board Member and former McLean County Republican Party Chair Chuck Erickson who said he is friends with both gentlemen.
In Erickson’s case the amount of cash each has on hand is the deciding factor. That’s why he is supporting Preston and is a member of the Host Committee for Preston that is holding a reception on May 19. Erickson said he believes that in Nov. campaign funding will be critical when it comes to defeating Chung who he expects to win the Democratic Primary.
Voters are encouraged to vote in either The Democratic, Republican, or Libertarian Primaries on June 28th to let their voices be heard.
