South Central Reporter

Seth McMillan argues the reality is Sen. Andy Manar (D-Bunker Hill) is nothing like the politician he presents himself as.

“Andy Manar is a fake,” he told the South Central Reporter of the man he is slated to face off against in November’s general election in the 48th District. “When Manar ran for office in 2012 he said that he was pro-life and he also campaigned against a tax hike. He has flip-flopped on both of those issues and sided with Chicago Democrats to raise taxes, and he also voted 'yes' to expand abortion in Illinois.”

McMillan said Manar’s fluctuating personality is all part of his plan to shield his truly liberal identity.

Sen. Andy Manar (D-Bunker Hill)

“Manar is trying to cover up his liberal voting record,” he said. “He is nothing more than a Chicago politician who happens to live in central Illinois.”

While McMillan admits he agrees with Manar’s stated position of freezing taxes and no budget, no pay, he argues he thinks even more needs to be done.

“I would take that a step further,” he said. “I believe that legislative pay should be reduced by 50 percent. I also believe that no legislator should be eligible for a pension or health insurance benefits. Elected office needs to go back to being a part-time job for a public servant. Let’s start by reducing pay and benefits.”

In the end, McMillan said he prides himself on being everything Manar isn’t.

"I am not a politician; I am a small business owner and father who is tired of career politicians who have run our state into the ground,” he said. “Andy Manar is a career politician who has had an active roll in state politics for the last 20 years. Andy Manar had his fingers on the Illinois budget as chief of staff to Senate President John Cullerton prior to being elected to the Senate. We need leaders who are not going to continue the status quo in Springfield.”

The 48th Senate District includes portions of Christian, Macon, Macoupin, Madison, Montgomery and Sangamon counties. It also includes Decatur, Springfield, Taylorville, Carlinville, Litchfield and Hillsboro.