CHICAGO – Tuesday afternoon, an ideological tug of war broke out in the 50th State Senate district, where three groups of social conservatives joined together behind incumbent State Senator Sam McCann and oppose GOP primary challenger Bryce Benton.
While the three groups voiced approval for McCann's dependable stance on pro-life, pro-family issues, Family PAC, which normally agrees with the other groups' endorsements, sided this time with Governor Rauner and fiscal conservative Liberty Principles PAC in the 50th District's tightening race.
“Senator McCann has been a strong voice for the pro-life cause, recently voting against a bill that would have forced crisis pregnancy centers, that devote their efforts to helping women choose Life for their unborn babies, to participate in abortion” said Ralph Rivera, Chairman of Illinois Citizens for Life, PAC and state lobbyist for Illinois Citizens for Life at the State Capitol.
David E. Smith with Illinois Family Action, PAC also voiced his strong support for Senator McCann. “Sam stood up for families and religious liberty when he voted against the so-called same-sex marriage bill. He has a consistent record of defending our families and our religious liberties.”
Dawn Behnke, President of Illinois Federation for Right to Life PAC agreed.
“Since being elected to the Illinois Senate, Senator McCann has supported our efforts and has been actively involved with numerous pro-life events to protect unborn lives,” she said.
Illinois Citizens for Life and the Illinois Federation for Right to Life PACs are organizations that support candidates who take positions in support of the sanctity of human life from conception to natural death. Illinois Family Action, PAC supports candidates who will defend life, family, and religious liberties.
“I am humbled and honored to have the support of these three grassroots organizations that represent many families in my district. I stand with them and will continue to advocate for life, and family, and protect the religious liberties of all Illinoisans,” said State Senator Sam McCann.
In addition to the traditional values endorsements, McCann is being financially backed by public sector unions whose members are represented in his Springfield-based district.
Thus far, challenger Bryce Benton – a State Police officer – and his campaign have received over $670,000 in support from PACs and and Super PACs directed by conservative radio talk show host Dan Proft.
The Illinois Republican Party has thus far stood on the sidelines in the ongoing battle, although they are financially engaging to protect State Rep. Avery Bourne, who represents a neighboring district.
