South Central Reporter

Blaine Wilhour, a Beecher City Republican running for a House seat in the 107th District, has received an endorsement from the Illinois Farm Bureau Activator, a political action committee.

In an Oct. 15 Facebook post, Wilhour said he was “humbled” by the accolade.

“Agriculture is in my blood,” he said. “As a third-generation farmer who has been active with livestock and grain operations my entire life, I understand producers’ needs.”

David Seiler | https://www.facebook.com/dseiler2018/photos/a.141517946573616/201856100539800/?type=3&theater

According to his website, Wilhour grew up on a family farm in Altamont, which he still helps run today. A former member of the Fayette County Board, he also co-manages Longhorn Buildings LLC, a family-owned construction business. Before launching his political career, Wilhour was an intelligence analyst in the Army National Guard.

Wilhour has focused his campaign on the economy and problems created by the Democratic leadership, including House Speaker Michael Madigan of Chicago. 

Speaking of high property taxes and the state's financial problems, Wilhour told the East Central Reporter recently: “It is a conversation that needs to be had. We need to educate people on the serious nature of our situation. Standing pat and perpetuating the status quo is not an option. If we don’t address this soon, it is going to be too late for many and people are going to suffer.”

In addition, he said: “We need to send serious people to Springfield that are not beholden to all the special interests. We are in a terrible situation; and because of generations of political failures, the fixes won’t be easy. It is going to take courageous, solutions-oriented people to save this state and that is what I plan to be.”

On Nov. 6, Wilhour will face Democrat David Seiler. The 107th District includes the cities of Altamont, Centralia, Effingham, Greenville, Kinmundy, Salem, St. Elmo, Vandalia and Wamac.