Rep. Sommer: constituents have his ear, Blair declares independence from Madigan

Posted on October 18, 2018
Sommer Blair
88th District State Representative candidates Jill Blair and and incumbent Keith Sommer squared off in a debate on the Illinois State University campus Wednesday night. (Photos Courtesy of Jill Blair for Illinois Facebook page and State of Illinois)

 

By Howard Packowitz

NORMAL – The challenger to Republican State Rep. Keith Sommer in the 88th Legislative District race claimed during a debate Wednesday night that Sommer is not responsive to constituents’ concerns. The incumbent of almost 20 years said that’s not true, and added that public input helps him make better decisions.

Sommer and Democrat Jill Blair squared off in a forum at Illinois State University’s Alumni Center, sponsored by the McLean County League of Women Voters and public radio station WGLT.

“I’m looking at faces in the crowd right here today that I know have expressed to me frustration with trying to ask Rep. Sommer to consider their positions and to consider their input. They did not feel like they were heard,” said Blair.

“That’s part of the reason why I have decided to step forward and run,” Blair added.

Sommer said he’s conservative, but is open to other views.

“If you have an argument that you would like to present to me, I fully an open to discussion,” said Sommer.

“I want to know what you think, and that way, I can make my best decisions,” Sommer also said.

Blair said she’s not beholden to Democratic House Speaker Michael Madigan. Blair said she’s not taking campaign money from the Illinois Democratic party, but she and Madigan are likely to agree on certain issues.

“I am a Democrat, and if I find areas of agreement with the speaker because we share a party and we share philosophies, that’s not the same thing as being beholden to him,” said Blair.

“I certainly will not be voting for Speaker Madigan to continue his reign in Springfield. It’s been far too long,” Sommer said.

The 88th District includes central, west, and southeast Bloomington, and also areas near Danvers and McLean in addition to parts of Tazewell County.

Howard Packowitz can be reached at [email protected]

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