Senator Faraci, Congresswoman Kelly Offer Feedback on What’s Happening Elsewhere

During their Thursday (July 18th) afternoon stop at the Gilbert Street Cafe for a roundtable on rural issues, Democratic State Senator Paul Faraci and Democratic Congresswoman Robin Kelly were asked by Central Illinois Media Group about the current national political situation for their party.  Congresswoman Kelly was very clear in saying that: First, she does not think having COVID would be a deciding factor in whether or not President Biden remains in the race.  And second, she is behind President Biden no matter what he decides to do; and it’s his choice.

AUDIO: A lot of people have battled COVID, so I don’t think that’s going to play into his decision.  He said he was was running; he has not stepped away from that decision, and as long as he’s running I support him.  So I think he has been a good president; he is a good president.  He has done a lot of good things across the United States; blue districts, red districts, period.   It’s his decision, and I support what he wants to do.

For Senator Faraci; he had spoken with CIMG on Monday at the CRIS Healthy Aging Center, very disturbed about the attempt on Former President Trump’s life.

AUDIO: First of all, violence is never the answer.  Please, please; we want to have discussions, we want to be able to talk to one another.  Never, never is it appropriate for violence to be involved.

Catching up with Senator Faraci again Thursday at the Gilbert Street Cafe; he stated that no matter what is happening with the presidential race, his focus is first and foremost on local concerns.

AUDIO: What I’m in charge with is making sure that I’m taking care of the people of the State of Illinois, and specifically the people in the 52nd District.  And we’re going to do everything we can to work across party lines to come up with legislation that helps our folks, and protects our folks.  And that’s really our role.

However, with President Biden’s continued candidacy in question, and with next month’s Democratic National Convention being in Chicago; there just might be some whispers in the background: Does Governor Pritzker have presidential aspirations…..for this year?  Faraci says, certainly not that he’s aware of.

AUDIO: That I don’t know.  I know the governor, but he has not contacted me for any counsel on what direction to go in that regard.  So I’m with you; I’m just waiting to see how things unfold.

The Democratic convention in Chicago is August 19th through 22nd.