GOP governor candidate Heidner wants Illinois to ‘make,’ not ‘take’
(The Center Square) – One of the four Republicans vying for the party’s nomination to take on Gov. J.B. Pritzker says he’s got the experience needed to take on the incumbent Democrat and win.
For a profile interview with The Center Square, businessman Rick Heidner explained he’s built a business from scratch and employs 800 people with 280 buildings in 12 states. The way Illinois is run is why he decided to get into the race.
“When I saw Ken Griffin basically fed up and leaving with 1,100 of the best jobs we have in Illinois and one of the most charitable men maybe on Earth, it just breaks my heart,” Heidner said. “And I want to take the state of Illinois and make it from a state of take, take, take and make it to a state of make, make, make.”
Three other candidates are looking to be the Republican party’s nominee to take on Democratic Gov. J.B. Pritzker; former state Sen. Darren Bailey, who ran against Pritzker in 2022 and lost, analyst Ted Dabrowski and DuPage County Sheriff James Mendrick.
Heidner explained another reason he jumped into the race.
“When I looked at the playing field, I just didn’t see any path to anyone being able to beat J.B. Pritzker. And that’s why I jumped in,” Heidner said.
Addressing the state’s public safety issues is among his chief concerns.
“All these people getting hurt, all this crime going on, all this revolving door of people getting out of, you know, you’re arrested, you’re in there for four hours, you sign your name, you get out, it’s so ridiculous,” Heidner said.
Early voting is underway.
The winner of the March 17 primary will advance to the general midterm election Nov. 3.
###
Latest News Stories
Everyday Economics: Existing home sales report may be noisy. Inflation will shape outlook
Illinois lawmakers weigh options to change rising property tax structure
Texodus: At least 12 Texas members of Congress won’t be returning next year
War in Iran shocks markets, costs U.S. taxpayers $1 billion a day
Mississippi primaries to watch on Tuesday
Advocates, lawmakers propose increased cigarette tax
Litchfield Sells Industrial Park Lot to Pittsburgh Pipe for Multi-Million Dollar Expansion, Approves Skyview Drive Access Road
Legal experts anticipate SCOTUS will overturn drug user gun ban
Parents’ rights advocates hail SCOTUS ruling against secret gender transitions
Critics warn Illinois bill could lead to government overreach in newborn care
Veteran suicide rate remains high despite spending millions
BlackRock summit to focus on workforce needed for U.S. infrastructure boom