Junius Rodriguez is a historian and professor at Eureka College. He was the Democratic nominee for the 18th Congressional District in 2016. He lost in the general election to Republican Darin LaHood.
Rodriguez said he is running again because he feels many people are unhappy with Congress. He pointed out five people (three Democrats, two Republicans) are running for the district’s congressional seat this year.
“I think that tells you something about the level of dissatisfaction that exists in the United States today.”
Rodriguez said members of the House are called representatives because they’re supposed to represent the interests of the people in their district. He feels incumbent Republican Darin LaHood is not doing that. “He seems to be representing special interests. He talks frequently to private gatherings.”
Rodriguez said he believes it is important for a member of congress to hold frequent town hall meetings to learn from the people he/she is representing.
Three people are running for the Democratic nomination for Congress in the 18th District: Rodriguez, Brian Deters, and Darrel Miller.
Two candidates are seeking the Republican nomination: Donald Rients and current Congressman Darin LaHood.
Early voting is already underway for the March 20 primary.
