One Candidate Drops, Another Enters 18th CD Special Election Primary

News out of the 18th CD Monday showed State Senator Darin LaHood’s bid to succeed resigned Congressman Aaron Schock solidifying as another potential GOP primary opponent dropped out and an unknown resident of Green Valley initiated a write-in bid.

Bloomington businessman Ed Brady, once considering a bid in the IL GOP special election primary endorsed LaHood.

“Darin LaHood has a proven record of being a fiscal conservative and supporting legislation that improves the business climate in Illinois, and I know he will continue that record in Washington,” said Brady. “As a small business owner, I know first hand the struggles facing employers and that is why I am supporting Darin.”

“I am honored to receive Ed’s endorsement and support,” said LaHood. “I will be the conservative champion that gets serious about our $18 trillion debt crisis, cuts wasteful government spending, and works for term limits to get rid of the career politicians in both parties. I look forward to having Ed on the campaign trail with me and working with him on the key issues that face the families of Central Illinois.”

The Brady endorsement came just a few hours after rural Green Valley resident Robin Miller announced his effort to initiate a write-in candidacy to replace Schock.

A photo of Miller on his website shows him sporting a large button reading, “Potential Parasite.” He says all candidates claiming the mantle of ‘public service’ are spreading “a line of bull.”

He continues, “Government is a parasite on the economy. If elected, I acknowledge that I will become a part of the parasite class that is an unhealthy drain on the productive economy. However, I will be a conscious parasite.”

Miller, a 55 year old computer technician, says that this awareness means he will not enrich himself at public expense, and will “do everything possible to cut all forms of government parasitism — taxation, regulation, special-interest deals — to the lowest possible level consistent with a functioning, vibrant Republic.” In his view, this means “a lot of voting NO,” term limits, and “a lot of repeal bills.”

“I’ve been helping people with their problems since I first held a job 35 years ago,” he states. “Over that time, I’ve found that failing to read and understand the manual that accompanies the equipment creates the majority of the problems. Well, the Constitution is the operating manual for the federal government, and it’s pretty clear that manual has been ignored by the operators for generations, with similar results.”

Miller says he will take no campaign contributions.

“People say they are tired of money influencing politics,” Miller said. “So I’m not accepting any.” Indeed, Miller’s website explicitly states he’s neither asking for nor accepting contributions. “I’m doing the experiment. If people want a clear, conservative voice in the Barry Goldwater or Robert Taft tradition to represent them, to fix problems and not kick the can down the road, who is honestly and transparently running a clean campaign with no possibility of moneyed influence, there is only one choice in this race. Hire me to do the job no one else is willing to do.”

Per a blog entry on his website, he has spent $176.60 as of April 2, the majority of which was spent in filing for the race in all 19 counties of the District.

Miller’s website is at www.robinmillerforcongress.com .