By Andy Dahn
BLOOMINGTON – A Republican candidate for Illinois’ 13th District Congressional seat said conservatism is fading away under current congressman Rodney Davis.
Ethan Vandersand of Carrollton told WJBC’s Terry James if elected, he will fight for conservative values, something he said Davis has failed to do.
“He proposes to be a conservative, but he doesn’t really advance conservatism with his votes,” Vandersand said. “He recently voted for this appropriations bill for 2016 which does nothing to restrict Planned Parenthood or refugees from the Middle East. The list goes on and on.”
Vandersand said while most politicians are too scared to say which presidential candidate they support, he doesn’t shy away from the question.
“I like Ted Cruz, he’s my favorite,” said Vandersand. “I like Rand Paul and Ben Carson a lot, too. I’m not opposed to Trump, but some of his positions in the past make me distrust him. He hasn’t always believed the same things he says he believes now.”
Vandersand, who currently works as a pharmacist, said he likes that Donald Trump is getting people talking about issues that other politicians avoid. He also agreed with Trump’s idea of securing US borders, saying that will be a top priority if he is elected.
The district’s primary election is scheduled for Mar. 15.
Andy Dahn can be reached at andy.dahn@cumulus.com.
