Republicans are unhappy about the revelation that freshman Congressman Rodney Davis (R-Taylorville) invited Madison County Circuit Judge Dave Hylla - a Democrat - to attended the State of the Union address as his guest. A spokesman for the Congressman said Davis selected Hylla “because he is a personal friend and knew he would appreciate the invitation.” Hylla could not be reached for comment.
Congressman Rodney Davis and Judge Dave Hylla
Republican sources upset with Davis' decision told Illinois Review that the congressman's decision is puzzling given the fact that local conservative grassroots groups delivered Davis campaign literature to more than 20,000 Madison County residences, while simultaneously working to defeat Judge Hylla in last year's election.
"For a new GOP Congressman to invite such a prominent local Democrat is truly inexplicable, and will not be forgotten. I hope Congressman Davis enjoys his one term in Congress," noted one Republican constituent.