A leading Illinois Republican is encouraging the party faithful to vote -- even if they can’t stand the presidential nominee.
Top Republicans are in Springfield for an annual meeting.
“Obviously we’d be silly to say there’s not mixed feelings about the top of the ticket."
That’s State Senate Minority Leader Christine Radogno.
“The great news is, though, the other side has the same problem."
Radogno says two types of Republican voters could present problems: those who can’t stand the thought of a “President Trump” and thus stay home, and those who are all in for Trump but don’t bother voting down ballot.
“Don’t forget the rest of the ticket. We need our congressmen in. We were fortunate to get the governor in. And we need to increase our numbers in the state Senate and the state House,” Radogno said.
Republicans are trying to cut into the large Democratic majorities in the General Assembly.
Meanwhile, Illinois US Senator Mark Kirk says he’s supporting former CIA Director David Petraeus for president again.
Kirk, a Republican, has struggled to say who he’d support for president because he doesn’t like his party’s nominee, Donald Trump.
Today at the Illinois State Fair – Kirk admitted his write-in campaign for Petraeus won’t get very far, but advised voters frustrated with the candidates for president to take a cue from him.
- Brian Mackey and Tony Arnold contributed to this report.
