By Illinois Review
Illinois Republican grassroots activists are voicing growing frustration – not just with State Rep. Norine Hammond’s latest staged photo-op, but now with Aaron Del Mar’s response that many believe let her off the hook.
The controversy began after a Facebook post by Thomas DeVore detailed what occurred at a recent Bailey/Del Mar campaign event in McDonough County. According to DeVore and multiple attendees, Hammond stopped by briefly – staying roughly ten minutes – before slipping out the door prior to the start of the event. She did not address the audience or engage voters.
Instead, Hammond’s husband remained behind and took photos that later appeared on her social media accounts, creating the impression that she had attended and participated throughout the evening.
Hammond later posted, “Thank you Aaron Del Mar for coming to Macomb on Friday evening. It was great to visit with you and others.” Attendees say that account did not match what they witnessed.
Hammond’s Republican opponent, Josh Higgins, stayed for the event, spoke directly to voters, and engaged those in attendance. Hammond did not.
Grassroots frustration intensified when Del Mar weighed in on DeVore’s Facebook post with a polite, diplomatic comment emphasizing that all candidates were invited, thanking those who attended on a cold night, and noting that others had commitments.
While Del Mar did not explicitly endorse Hammond’s version of events, activists say his ‘playing nice’ response in the Facebook thread failed to correct what they view as a misleading narrative.
But for many Republicans, this episode is only the latest chapter in a long-running pattern.
Hammond has faced repeated criticism for accepting campaign donations from Democrat-aligned special interests – groups that routinely bankroll progressive lawmakers while opposing conservative priorities in Springfield.
She has also drawn backlash for siding with Democrats on key votes, including legislation expanding transgender patient rights in Illinois, a move that alarmed conservative voters concerned about parental authority and the protection of children.
Then there is ‘PillowGate,’ the controversy in which Hammond’s own company was paid with taxpayer dollars to decorate her taxpayer-funded legislative office – an arrangement critics called emblematic of insider politics.
Taken together, grassroots conservatives say the pattern is clear: staged optics, blurred ethical lines, and repeated alignment with Springfield insiders over Republican voters.
That context explains why Del Mar’s response struck such a nerve. Activists argue this was not about politeness – it was about accountability.
Illinois Republicans are increasingly demanding leaders who confront deception instead of smoothing it over.
And the grassroots are no longer willing to look the other way – or stay silent.
