Another Democrat Eyeing 13th Congressional Run
A retired school administrator from Litchfield is latest to consider a run for Congress in Illinois' re-drawn 13th District.
Democrat James Gray, who has over 30 years in education, says he'll appeal to voters since he's not a politician. Gray says he's become frustrated with 'politics as usual' in places like Wisconsin, where collective bargaining rights have been limited.
"It gives the individual some power and some authority at the table," said Gray. "It's the only way you can garner enough energy and power to gain a better standard of living. And when the standard goes up, the standard of the whole country goes up. It floats all the boats up."
But Gray says the hardships experiences by his 85-year old mother convinced him to become involved in the race.
"She's sitting there at the table when that debt refinancing was going on, and wondering if her next check was going to come in, and whether she could buy food or her drugs" he said. "It's just unbelievable. It's almost like they would would throw people out into the street."
Gray says the wealthy and Fortune 500 companies and are paying far too little of federal revenues today. He also pledges to serve no more than four terms if elected, saying the seniority system in Congress is giving undue power to a handful of people.
Gray says he'll know for sure by late this month if he's running, as he collects signatures on his campaign petitions. He admits if former state legislator Jay Hoffman decides to run, he'll be tough to beat for the Democratic nomination. Bloomington physician David Gill has already entered the race, and Greene County State's Attorney Matt Goetten is also considering a run.
The winner would likely face Urbana Republican Tim Johnson, but he's facing Springfield truck driver Sam Spradlin in the March primary.