Gaither Campaign for Rural America

Too many know that service can lead to sacrifice. We shouldn’t be asking the National Guard to sacrifice anything else at all. They shouldn’t have to sacrifice anything in their…

My interest in each of you is for a reason. I appreciate your interest in my life and what I do May we find a better way forward than we…

Davis is simply trying to distract from his lack of results for his much longer tenure in Congress. He said he was for all of these principles. When it came…

Full disclosure, I’ve known Brad Graven my entire life. He was in fact my Sunday school teacher, so long ago

During the board meetings that Weaver attended and never disclosed her potential conflicts of interest, she motioned and voted to not only bar the public from ever having access to…

Since September 11th, 2001, 30,177 active duty members and veterans died by suicide. It's a jaw dropping number compared to the 7,057 killed in what I will label "military operations."…

We need someone that is going to fight for our communities, not about some special interest BS that only divides our nation further. We need someone to fight to build…

It's similar to a child touching a hot stove and burning themselves. You would think a person, at some point in their adult lives, would learn how to regulate their…

Big day in the justice system. Here are four news stories that will reverberate for years.

When I wrote it in that exact way just now, I shuddered. It doesn’t sound so good for the average American, now does it?

Republicans Rodney Davis and Mary Miller will never be able to vote YES on what our district, our seniors and people living with disabilities deserve and need. Their partisan politics…

Europe is finally figuring out what Americans forgot 50 years ago. Refugees, migrants, and immigrants are good for the economy, especially during a labor shortage. Countries are even waiving visa…

I doubt it’ll be that easy to ignore the real challenges and frustrations that voters have in every single community in our district, which is exactly what Rep. Davis is…

In my travels this petition cycle, the conversations had a far more serious and at times darker hue. Many of my closest friends have similar and deepening reservations regarding the…

It’s stunning that now, while out of office, Trump seeks to not only weaken the current President, but mislead on his own record and fortitude.

Whenever I have heard Rep. Kelly speak on the House floor, she spoke directly to both my heart and my head. I knew instinctively that when afforded the opportunity to…

I don’t understand these American sentiments against our own national security and economy. These new Republican talking points from talking heads seem alien to me.

The politicians that focus on stoking anger and anxiety in voters about gas prices seek to bring out the worst in us.

Vice President Kamala Harris was in Munich this morning while most Americans were sleeping She delivered a tough speech that connected our vital interests in Ukraine to our long term…

It's amazing how much can take place in four years. We can endure so much. We can grow and learn if we choose to do so, but we don't have…

Now, in 2022, there’s another Olympics that Putin hopes to use to distract us while he dances on the global stage with the dragon in Beijing. He is desperate to…

Outrage and the need to eradicate the voices of others is not owned by either fringe. Both sides want to burn the library.

The struggles, obstacles, challenges, and threats that our nation and her people face today have not relented with legislation, executive order, public health guidance, or learning from our own direct…

If Democratic candidates and current legislators would take a break from attacking each other, they might realize the real threats are much larger and longterm than any disagreements they have…

Sometimes, we don’t get our way in a democracy. That is a fundamental part of what makes democracy function. We are not a monolithic people. It is our individuality, coupled…

Restaurants across the nation are in trouble. Not many policymakers are even talking about what is happening to these small businesses in nearly every town and city in America.

The need to have a villain does conjure memories of the fear tactics by the Christian right involved with the AIDS crisis in the 1980s.

Let’s hope Biden was honest when he said he would be the President for all Americans, regardless of what candidate they voted for in this election. The pandemic has only…

The American people have been suffering and dying all year from Covid-19. Our economies are suffering and many small businesses are on the brink. We need you, Senate Republicans, to…

For as much as I’ve heard people claim what a great businessman Trump is, all I see is evidence that he is a carnival barker who has been able to…

Meadows sounds more like a Russian news agency mouthpiece for the Kremlin attacking American intelligence and law enforcement agencies then he does an American public servant doing the work of…

Not only did Speaker Pelosi outshine President Trump and congressional Republicans, she outclassed them. Feeding children and families is better than sending blank bailout checks to the richest farmers in…

Trump is not just a failure. He is a threat to our national security, our public health, our economy and our longevity as a nation. Don't see President Trump through…

Republican economic and budgetary failed policies have gift-wrapped misery and death to the American people and American small businesses.

With no national strategy to help stabilize the restaurant and bar small business industry during this difficult time, it is up to states and local communities to fill the gap…

September 11th. A time of loss and mourning for our country.  It was also one of the last times our country came together in solidarity.  Shared pain and suffering has…

Yes, Republicans have pounded the idea that Democrats are bad and low wages for American workers are good for the economy, but is this really what rural Americans are going…

It just doesn’t seem that there’s a coordinated strategy at all. And, that alone, is a real problem, it’s a real threat.

It is time to inform our passions. Blindly following those who say they are on your side has not achieved many results for any of our rural communities. And, the…

The times we are enduring right now are requring us to be better citizens. We must live up to these times.

It takes strong leaders to stand up and not lead from fear. Demand better or you receive less. No wonder rural communities are struggling.

“There are places where educators have already forged ahead in the past months with creative plans for remote learning.” -Dana Goldstein, NYT The places that have forged ahead are models,…

We’re less educated, so we’re less able to understand what’s happening right now.  Our country is crumbling around us, so we’re less able to act upon what’s happening right now.…

It is now apparent the American economy has been traumatically damaged, leading to increased crime. More costly consequences are days away as the Senate decided not to collaborate on a…

The sickenss sabotage straegy of Trump begins to make a bit more sense when he pondered delaying the 2020 election. He can't win on the merits nor on votes alone.

The damage done over the course of my entire life by not investing in our nation's children and in our nation itself is evident wherever you look and especially when…

No matter if you feel you agree or disagree with Joe Biden, if you support his campaign or do not, he's going to be on the ballot in November. Take…

Bailey either didn’t bother to check if there were any bills he could have co-sponsored or didn’t care and thought both the media and his supporters wouldn’t care as well.…

They are just planning on sitting there for the rest of 2020 and doing nothing . . . no contingency cutting ahead of the winter we're facing . . .…

Suddenly, the value of those 520 days Bolton sat in his position, and those 139 days we waited for his book to be published after the trial was over, begin…

Let's do better than crying about crowd size and hand size! Let's finally replace the pipes in Flint, MI! Let's do what we haven't done in the last 4 years…

Why is it that Trump can say anything, do anything . . . do nothing for them and their communities . . . but because he can say anything and…

Just days later after delivering that message about love, he drove into my hometown, walked into the Church of God and wouldn’t even listen to a mother he not only…

I have seen black people thrown in jail, charged with federal crimes, and hefty bail applied for posting and promoting violence, riots and looting. Why not these white public officials?…

Trump has called for a 25% reduction in troops in Germany. Since Russian annexation of Crimea, American troop withdrawals from Europe are sending the message that Putin’s territorial aggression in…

We all have little to no concept of what another person has been through, what level of empathy and how the traumas that have been perpetrated upon themselves and upon…

It's unfortunate that nothing would move fire chief Dunovsky to do the right thing, even someone else taking the fall for him. Mayor Goodman is a good man that cared…

If it took this handful of Republicans this much, how much more is the entire Republican Party not being honest with self, with citizen, with country and soul about what…

Which is why I am not going to just sit and meet people, discuss their fascination with "All Lives Matter" and their lack of curiosity about why that's completely ridiculous,…

I think the point of the Open Moultrie signs, next to the Pritzker Sucks signs, cozied up next to the Trump 2020 signs is to clearly paint a bright arrow…

The WHO guidelines for healthy members of our community make the most sense to me given the breadth of all of the science, the public health data and all of…

George lost his life. The people protesting that lost life, at least they're not protesting against public health guidelines that help protect the lives of other people, at least there…

The problem with double standard living as a nation is that no one respects our word, no one respects our work, and no one respects our nation. Anyone else notice…

What has gone missing is any hint of a strategy by either political party to build change in America for her people and her workers. #DemandBetter

Pretty ****ing typical American model for governance. Businesses violate, let them skate. Individuals get sick, indict. Businesses will be able to operate which is great for them since they have…

American leadership, both from the Oval Office and Congress, has lurched from too much involvement with no strategy to win, to too much caution to a confused amalgamation of the…

Let’s think about what Sullivan needs to make life better for those who are here and for those who are growing up here as well. We need to make it…

On this World AIDS Day, as I do every day, I remember so many friends, loved ones and people around the world that have died after being infected with HIV…

Ask most farmers, they're over President Trump's Trade and Tariff War. Ask businesses, both small and large, the growing uncertainty in the Trump economy is making life more difficult. Ask…

There is so much mistaken in “Jesus Made Adam and Eve, Not Adam and Steve.” It appears this statement was intentionally crafted to be political, divisive and discriminatory.

Considering the unfortunate state of our international relations with our longterm allies, the frayed nature of the alliances that have helped prevent a third World War continue to be stretched…

This campaign was about people and policies for an economy that works for everyone, education that prepares our children for the jobs of today and tomorrow, and a healthcare system…

The fear of being attacked and killed for who you are and for your faith is something no one should have to experience. It is the experience of many Americans.…

As your representative, I will fight to end the abdication of the Legislative Branch. We need stronger and more independent oversight of the Executive Branch that challenges and holds the…

I would support the Social Security Fairness Act of 2017, which has broad bipartisan support. It’s one of the areas where my opponent and I are in agreement. Unfortunately for…

If we don’t create equity in the early education system in the 15th District, many of our communities will never catch up in the modern global economy. We all know…

September 11th. A time of loss and mourning for our country.  It was also one of the last times our country came together in solidarity.  Shared pain and suffering has…

As many of us have witnessed over the last few days since his passing, he has many loud critics on both sides of the aisle. That’s what happens when you…

The Republicans need this ballot referendum because they have no positive agenda or results on which to run this November. My position on the Second Amendment has remained consistent. I will…

Instead of electing career politicians who rely on big dollar donors and offer rubber stamps and excuses, we should be focusing on what will build an economy, rebuild our infrastructure,…

I’d say there is plenty of common ground, common sense, and common values on this issue. Separating children from their parents is not just a tragedy, it’s traumatizing. I’m also…

To me, I'm focused like a laser on changing the conversation. Moving beyond this blame game. Finding common ground, using common sense, and utilizing common values to move our district…

Check your voter registration. Start voting. Become engaged in your local, state, and federal government. It matters. Other than that, the people are going to have to elect different representatives…

Each of us has something to offer our country. What we remember on Memorial Day are the sacrifices of our brothers and sisters.  This sacrifice means everything to protecting our…

At some point, all of the people supporting the Second Amendment and all of the people that want to minimize gun violence in America, especially at our schools, must come…

Aren’t we sick of the partisan bickering, the pundit speculating, and the status quo strangling us all? I know I am. That’s why I’m running for Congress because I’m sick…

Yes, our 21-year incumbent representative in Congress, John Shimkus, did vote for an amendment to the U.S. Constitution that would have allowed the federal government to raid the Social Security…

The lack of a diplomatic presence in the region is harming our efforts considerably. Regardless of the results of the missile strikes, without a diplomatic strategy there is no chance…

By allowing these regimes to use these weapons without exacting an extremely high cost, we’re sending a message to other hostile regimes that we will look the other way while…

Commitment to Ohio Valley watershed, Economic Development Strategy, Mental Health Treatment

I’m all for a reinvigorated American-based steel industry. We need these jobs to come back to America. Not only does that increase inflation risks but it could lead to layoffs…

In the last two weeks and wherever I go, the issue of gun violence has been raised. It’s a serious problem in our country. For a few, some types of…

My dedication and perseverance is to each and every citizen here, not some committee in Springfield or Chicago. Not some group that came up with a talking point list for…

A number of our schools in Central and Southern Illinois have been receiving threats or rumors of threats in the wake of the Florida school shooting. I’m tired of the…

Here's a side-by-side comparison between Carl and myself and how we approach the various issues. What are your questions?

This is about depressed wages, fewer opportunities for Union workers, and lack of fairness for taxpayers.  Just like this mother is fighting for her family’s future, these families are fighting…

There are some that strive to demonize, castigate, and perpetuate subclasses of humanity in order to raise their own stature above others. This behavior is the reason why children, adolescents,…

We’ve raised nearly $6,000 in just 6 months. That’s not a lot when compared to Rep. Shimkus’ special interest money, but it is more than our opponent in the primary…

In Rep. John Shimkus’ recent WJPF interview, he offered the usual GOP talking points demonizing Democrats. What he failed to mention is that the legislation he helped to craft and…

2017 was a year of tremendous change for our country. So many of us have responded to this change by standing up and doing something about the problems our families,…

With the ending of net neutrality, providers can make consumers pay for faster speeds. They can limit what sites we have access to unless we pay more. It’s actually the…

I'm not one to blame our problems on one person or one party. I also don't believe that one solution will solve any of it. Throughout much of my life,…

Our current over two-decade incumbent Representative John Shimkus is now sitting on the House-Senate conference committee responsible with hammering out the final tax reform bill to be sent to the…

What we should do is the following: continue repairing the damage of decades of denial and decay have representatives show up and hold the VA accountable in hearings have representatives…

These allegations and realities from the past and present are as disturbing as they are common. We have to do better. What we can do is to take the politics…

The costs of rebuilding America are high. The costs of doing nothing are much higher.  I will fight to rebuild this District on every level and on every day. We…

Enter the GOP plans to 'overhaul' the Medicaid program nationally by imposing work requirements on recipients. I would call this effort an attempt to disrupt healthcare for millions of working…

These old squabbles are as counterproductive as they are useful for Trump and the GOP to continue avoiding accountability and responsibility for any forward leaning vision for all Americans. 

I believe we should be talking about real immigration reform, not immigration deform. We need to be focused on real threats to our country, not some expensive unfunded Trump Wall…

Signs of strain emerge in the Trump-GOP economy, says Chandra and Golle of Bloomberg. When savings are drained, it limits consumer spending. This is especially troubling ahead of the holiday…

It was good to see the President come out with policies that may help alleviate the opioid crisis. This crisis has expanded from opioids and exploding into heroin use. That…

President Trump used the power of the pen to issue executive orders to take away the healthcare of the poor this week. He did this by removing subsidies offered to…

It’s time to balance the power between workers and employers By Lawrence H. Summers Wash Post, September 3 Lawrence Summers is a professor at and past president of Harvard University.…

Instead of fighting amongst natural allies, we should be working together. There is nothing wrong with moderate and centrist political language as the vast majority of voters are moderates or…

In a year with many special elections, the most expensive House race in American history, and much frustration with the direction of the country under the leadership of President Trump…

I continue to see so much animosity and outrage pouring out on social media and in public regarding the President. This is not all that helpful in the upcoming midterm…

RoadSnacks just made a study that declared the 10 Most Conservative Cities in Illinois. This can be of great concern to those living in or around any of these cities.…

The GOP-controlled Congress, led by President Trump, has already targeted student loans, loosening protections for students as well as discussing moving loan servicing from Department of Education to Treasury. Their…