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Illinois Republicans are energized after the GOP’s gubernatorial
win in Virginia last November, hoping a similar situation sets
up in the Land of Lincoln.
Speaking with the Washington Post, Pritzker was asked if he was
concerned about the November election.
“There's no doubt that this is going to be a tougher year for
Democrats than 2020 or 2018, but it's in large part because of
the challenges that COVID brought on,” Pritzker said.
The economy is expected to be a hot-button issue for Illinois
voters. Inflation continues to affect households, as food and
gas prices continue to rise. Add on Illinois' high taxes, and
many families are struggling.
Inflation eased slightly in April after months of relentless
increases but remained near a 40-year high. Consumer prices
jumped 8.3% last month from a year ago, the government said this
week.
The U.S. Labor Department reported the prices Americans pay for
groceries rose 1% in April and are up over 10% over the 12
months.
“It's Democrats that have rescued the economy,” Pritzker said
despite skyrocketing inflation since President Joe Biden took
office. “It’s Democrats that have kept people safe and healthy
when Republicans like Donald Trump were working against all of
those things.”
Republicans are rallying against the economic woes Americans
have faced the past year. Some have formed the Illinois’ Freedom
Caucus. The group promises to attack what it says is excessive
state spending and push for socially conservative proposals.
“You would think if there was ever a time where people would be
fed up with the status quo, it would be now,” State Rep. Chris
Miller, R-Oakland, said.
Kevin Bessler reports on statewide issues in Illinois
for the Center Square. He has over 30 years of experience in radio
news reporting throughout the Midwest.
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