SPRINGFIELD –  New CNN polling data shows Republicans’ approval surging 5 points since the shutdown began, with an 8-point jump among independents. For Republicans in Congress, net approval jumped up by 12 points among Republican voters and by 8 points among independents since the shutdown began. The latest polling data exposes Democrats’ “shutdown for leverage” ploy as a massive backfire.

U.S. Senate Candidate Don Tracy issued the following statement in response: 

“The American people know what’s going on. They’ve seen Republicans vote 13 times for a clean continuing resolution to reopen the government and get paychecks to families. Senate Democrats filibustered every single one, triggering the first shutdown ever based on a clean CR, because they’re more afraid of the Marxist wing of their party than hard working Americans. 

“My opponents, Raja Krishnamoorthi, Robin Kelly and Juliana Stratton, have advocated for this shutdown every step of the way. Raja went on national television to explain why his party was blocking paychecks and SNAP benefits for political leverage.

“I’m going to Washington to fight career politicians who play political games with people's lives. As Senator, I will work to deliver common sense solutions to complex problems.”

Don is available for video and phone interviews on this topic, with some availability for in-studio discussions. 

###

About Don Tracy: 

Don Tracy is a community leader from Central Illinois who has spent his career fighting for small businesses and working families. An attorney for nearly 50 years, Don is Senior Counsel at Brown, Hay & Stephens, the oldest law firm in Illinois. He has served in a number of public service positions, including Chairman of the Illinois Republican Party, Chairman of the Illinois Gaming Board, Secretary of the Illinois Bar Foundation, and President of the Abraham Lincoln Association. Born and raised in Mount Sterling in Western Illinois, Don and his wife, Wanda, raised their 4 children and 8 grandchildren in Springfield.