By Mark Weyermuller, Opinion Contributor
President Donald J. Trump is under fire from all sides yet he is the clear front runner as the Republican nominee for President of the United States in 2024. Last week Florida Congressman Byron Donalds (R, FL-19) officially endorsed Donald Trump. Take note, that Florida is the home state of Governor Ron DeSantis who might run in the primary but has yet to declare.
Rep. Donalds has been in Illinois many times including a Lincoln Day Dinner as well as a private event held November 30, 2022 by RNC National Committeeman Richard Porter for many of the Illinois GOP establishment elites. At that November 30th event, Rep. Donalds told the GOP establishment, “You don’t win elections.”
The following is the statement on the endorsement of Donald Trump.
“The 2024 presidential election is uniquely important, because Americans will decide the direction of our nation’s future. At the center of this decision, voters must determine the commander-in-chief who is best equipped to lead our country and stand in the breach, putting themselves on the line, with a willingness to sacrifice everything to save our Republic. 2024 isn’t simply an election. It is an inflection point in our nation’s history, and it is an inflection point in world history.
Look around right now. Our economy is a mess. Inflation is making life unaffordable for our families. Our borders have become completely insecure. Our justice system has become an injustice system. Foreign leaders test our mettle, and are pushing us toward the brink of World War III. Far too many Americans have simply given up hope, and even lost their faith.
I refuse to accept this as our future. This is America, the greatest nation man has ever known. At the toughest moments in our history, leaders have stepped forward and seized the moment. Not just anyone, but truly transformational figures, with the resolve and determination to rise above the chaos and inspire a generation of Americans to follow their lead against seemingly insurmountable obstacles.
There is only one leader at this time in our nation’s history who can seize this moment and deliver what we need – to get us back on track, provide strength and resolve, and Make America Great Again. That is why I am honored to endorse President Donald J. Trump for President in 2024, and I ask my fellow Americans to join me today.”
Rep. Donalds joins others in his congressional caucus, the Freedom Caucus, to throw their full support behind Donald Trump for the 2024 Republican presidential nomination.
Moments after Donald Trump’s November 15, 2022 announcement of his candidacy to be the 47th President of the United States, fellow Freedom Caucus member and Illinois congresswoman, Rep. Mary Miller (R, IL-15), gave her full endorsement of Donald Trump.
Donald Trump had endorsed Rep. Mary Miller over former congressman, Rodney Davis, in last year’s primary. Redistricting had placed Mary Miller and Rodney Davis, both incumbents, in a head-to-head for the newly-drawn Illinois 15th congressional district. Many credit Donald Trump’s rally in Quincy, Illinois, just days before the primary, as pushing Rep. Miller over the finish line to secure the Republican nomination.
When Rep. Donalds spoke before many of the IL GOP establishment elite last November, he urged them to listen to the perspectives and opinions of those “not in the room.” In other words, listen to the grassroots conservatives.
But true to form, the IL GOP appears to be doing everything but listen to grassroots conservatives, now creating what appears to be a 2024 slate based around Florida Governor Ron DeSantis’ expected bid for the Republican presidential nomination.
Last month, Gov. DeSantis keynoted an event in Elmhurst attended by many of the same IL GOP establishment elite who had attended the November 30th event with Rep. Donalds. Gov. DeSantis is expected to announce his candidacy next month, despite that Donald Trump continues to soar in polls, including head-to-head polls against Joe Biden.
Will the IL GOP finally heed the advice of Rep. Donalds and listen to grassroots conservatives?
Time will tell.
Mark Weyermuller also known as “man on the street” is a small business person, retired real estate professional, law & order supporter, tax payer advocate, and conservative activist in Chicago. He is a citizen journalist, frequent guest on talk radio, speaker at public hearings, and regular contributor to Illinois Review.
