SPRINGFIELD – If GOP Senator Sam McCann hasn't been beat up enough by the governor's henchmen and their political action committees, he added two more tough guys to take down McCann this week – U.S. Reps Darin LaHood (IL-18) and Rodney Davis (IL-13).
LaHood – once a Senate colleague of McCann – and Davis joined Rauner's gang by announcing their endorsements of Bryce Benton, Republican challenger in the 50th District.
"When you think about Central Illinois and the 50th Senate district – its people who work hard, play by the rules, have a strong faith in God, love their community, and are frustrated with state government," said LaHood. "Bryce epitomizes those values. He has served us honorably as a law enforcement officer, and will serve voters well in the State Senate. I endorse Bryce Benton for State Senate because he's one of us, and will serve us with integrity and pride."
There was no mention about Sam McCann serving the Senate honorably, although LaHood and McCann's voting records in the Senate were almost identical.
And although nearly $2.5 million from Chicago donors has funded attack ads in a downstate Republican primary and the strategy to oust McCann has been planned by Chicago consultants and political pundits, Davis played up McCann's challenger Bryce Benton's "small town values."
"I've known Bryce for over a decade and am proud to call him a friend," said Davis. "We both grew up in Taylorville and share the same small town values – hard work, honesty, and accountability. I know Bryce will serve us with the same dedication and integrity that he's brought to his career in law enforcement. I am proud to endorse Bryce Benton for State Senate because he'll make sure our children will inherit a better, stronger Illinois."
McCann is being challenged because he defied Governor Rauner's legislative override twice, siding instead with state employee unions.
