Illinois Republicans target Pritzker at State Fair rally
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GOP gubernatorial candidate Darren Bailey takes the stage at the Illinois State Fair Thursday. Photo: Justin Kaufmann/Axios
The Republicans took their turn at the Illinois State Fair on Thursday, blasting Democrats as soft on crime, immigration, property taxes and the economy.
Why it matters: This second day of partisan politicking at the fair is illuminating the two sides' campaign strategies for the upcoming election.
Zoom in: Gubernatorial candidate Darren Bailey, lieutenant governor candidate Aaron Del Mar, and U.S. Senate candidate Don Tracy headlined the the Republican Day rally, focusing squarely on the state's top Democrat.
What they're saying: "Everything costs more with JB Pritzker," Bailey told the crowd. "After eight years in office, the excuses are over."
Zoom out: The candidates also spent time attacking the wave of victories across the country for Democrat Socialists, handing out signs saying "Common Sense over Communism."
- "We're not perfect, but the other side is flat-out crazy," Tracy told the crowd. "They're for social justice, whatever that means."
Who's missing: Congressional Republicans.
- Loyal Trump supporters and some of the biggest names in the state party — U.S. Reps. Mike Bost, Mary Miller and Darin LaHood — did not speak. In fact, the president's name rarely came up during the rally.
Meanwhile: Gov. Pritzker's campaign parked billboards outside GOP receptions Wednesday night to highlight the party's affiliation with Trump.
Touché: In response, Del Mar stepped in front of the billboard to playfully show Axios what he thought of the campaign stunt.
Reality check: Republicans have an uphill battle to unseat incumbent Democrats, who hold every statewide office, both U.S. Senate seats, and a supermajority in both chambers of the General Assembly.
Yes, but: That didn't tamp down the GOP's fighting spirit on this sunny Thursday afternoon at the fair.
- Del Mar, a former MMA fighter, shouted from the stage: "If Republicans want to win, we have to be strong and brave and, damn it, we need to be proud! We are gonna fight and take our state back!"