By Howard Packowitz

BLOOMINGTON – A Democrat has emerged to challenge for the Illinois House seat held by nine-term Rep. Dan Brady (R-Bloomington).

First-term Normal Town Council member Chemberly Cummings said she’ll run in next year’s election. Cummings announced her intentions Friday evening in front of supporters at McLean County Democratic Headquarters in Downtown Bloomington.

Cummings said she’s not a negative person, and won’t make personal attacks on Brady. However, she said fresh perspectives are needed in the 105th District.

“There are those who say that it is good to do a refresh every now and then,” said Cummings.

“It’s not necessarily anything bad, but sometimes to take a new, fresh perspective of where we should go, or what more we can do, on what issues can we tackle that can be not only better for the state, but for the district, and for communities as a whole.”

Cummings is the first African-American to serve on the Normal Town Council. Her term runs out in 2021.

Cummings said she would have voted for doubling the gasoline tax to pay for road repairs.

“If you’ve driven many of the roads within the State of Illinois, our infrastructure gets its money, especially when it comes to roads, bridges, and our streets, from the gas tax. There are communities (which) can not afford to do it alone,” Cummings also said.

Republican Primary opponent David Paul Blumenshine has criticized Brady for backing the higher gas tax along with other tax increases.

Brady argued House Republicans blocked many other Democratic-backed tax hikes despite the GOP’s super-minority status.

On abortion, Cummings believes in a woman’s right to choose, contrary to Brady and Blumenshine’s views.

Brady has yet to formally announce he’s a candidate for a 10th term. The 105th District covers all of Normal, Bloomington’s east side, and eastern McLean County. Parts of Livingston County, including Fairbury, are also in the 105th District.

Howard Packowitz can be reached at [email protected]