By Blake Haas

BLOOMINGTON – A local legislator says the top elected leader in Illinois will have to “moderate his approach” if he’s thinking about running for a higher office.

Earlier this week, Gov. Pritzker addressed a New York Times article that named the Democratic leader the potential “plan B” presidential candidate for 2024 behind President Biden.

During a press conference unrelated to the matter, Gov. Pritzker said he has no intention to run for President except for reelection as Governor.

State Senator Jason Barickman (R-Bloomington) said voters in the primary election are looking for a balanced approach instead of “rewarding the extremist.”

“The rumor that’s going around about (Gov.) Pritzker that made it to the New York Times recently is one that’s been out there for many months, if not a year or more. I think many people thing that (Gov.) Pritzker’s agenda is fueled by his desire to be President on a number of issues. He’s really taking the more extreme approach; we have talked about this.”

Speaking with WJBC’s Scott Miller, Barickman said Gov. Pritzker’s extreme approach would serve well in a Democratic primary across the nation.

“I just think most voters don’t want to reward the extremest. They want people who seek bipartisanship, are solution-oriented, and I think if the Governor wants to be a credible candidate for President, he’s going to need to moderate his approach.”

Gov. Pritzker and Lt. Gov. Julianna Stratton are seeking reelection in the 2022 race for Governor of Illinois.

Blake Haas can be reached at [email protected].