Shimkus To Face Primary Challenge in Re-Election Bid

Dave Dahl -- Illinois Radio Network

Changing his mind about term-limiting himself is something for which many downstate Illinoisans will associate with John Shimkus.

A new Republican challenger is here to make sure everyone remembers what Shimkus said then – and how he broke his promise.

Kyle McCarter, a state senator who, like Shimkus, is from the Metro East, wants to represent the southern and eastern Illinois district Shimkus represents now.

“It was supposed to be citizens setting aside time to serve and going back” to their homes and businesses after time in Congress. “Twenty years is enough,” McCarter says of Shimkus.

Not only is Shimkus a promise-breaker, says McCarter, he's a hypocrite.

“My opponent has marched in front of Planned Parenthood because of the atrocities that we've seen, the selling of baby parts,” McCarter says of Shimkus. “Then, just after that, he marches up to Washington and votes for the continuing resolution to fund Planned Parenthood. The people in my district are very upset about this. I'm very upset about this.”

McCarter lives in the 12^th District, represented by Mike Bost, and also lives near the 13^th and 15^th Districts, represented by Rodney Davis and Shimkus, respectively. He says he intends to move to Effingham, which is in the 15^th. He says in addition to trying to send Shimkus packing, McCarter says he's spent his time in the Senate representing much of what is also in the 15^th now.

The primary is in March.