Comparing Illinois gubernatorial primary candidate Jeanne Ives to former British Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher could seem like a grandstanding political move -- unless you’re state Rep. Thomas R. Morrison (R-Palatine) and it happens to be time for the 2018 GOP primary.
Morrison, who told the North Cook News he drew the comparison in the forward of “The Governor You Don’t Know,” a pro-Ives book the GOP routed to thousands of constituents earlier this year, did not mince words when he stressed the importance of getting out and voting in today’s primary.
For starters, this election will determine who’s on the ballot for governor this November, and a number of other key measures will be vetted.
State Rep. Tom Morrison (R-Palatine)
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“The turnout of registered voters is often low in elections like these,” Morrison said about mid-term primaries in an interview with the North Cook News. “I think (voters) should know they have a real choice for governor. There’s a clear difference between candidates for governor and a lot of the down ballot races as well.”
Ives generated interest earlier this year when the conservative magazine National Review pegged her as the likely successor to incumbent Gov. Bruce Rauner, who fell from favor with his own party last year for his stance on immigration and abortion bills.
“I am supporting her because she is qualified, she has depth and breadth of knowledge about issues, and she will tell the truth even if it’s unpopular,” Morrison said. “We have not seen those qualities from our governor, Bruce Rauner. He is not trusted by legislators in Springfield.”
Morrison, who said he is among nine legislators who are backing Ives, pointed to other ballot measures that merit voter concern. One of them is a referendum in Cook County about allowing recreational marijuana use, which Morrison opposes.
“It would bring a host of unintended consequences,” he said. “Employers are already having a tough time finding employees who are drug-free. And then, of course, you have the problem of teenagers who would have easier access to those drugs. That’s been the experience in other states that have allowed recreational marijuana.”
Morrison, a seven-year General Assembly veteran, had cogent advice for candidates on the campaign trail.
“Be honest with who you are and what you stand for,” Morrison said. “Stop trying to deceive voters. Be who you are, say what you actually think, accurately represent yourself and what you’ll do in this office.”
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