South Central Reporter

GOP activist James Jones is calling out Aurora Mayor Richard Irvin for skipping the Central Illinois Republican Governor Candidate Forum. 

The forum is scheduled to happen on Monday, April 25 from 7 to 9 p.m., according to Peoria Standard.  

“Big mistake," Jones told South Central Reporter. "It’s like he’s admitting all of the accusations pointing at him. He won’t see a victory by not being upfront.” 

Irvin is notably absent as a named participant in the Central Illinois Republican Governor Candidate Forum, which will take place at Five Points Washington. 

"The candidates who will be attending this forum are Sen. Darren Bailey, Gary Rabine, Paul Schimpf, Jesse Sullivan and Max Solomon,” an announcement by organizers states.

Conservatives have criticized Irvin's campaign, citing his previous Democratic Party backing. Irvin got a special mention from Bailey saying that "career Democrat Richard Irvin will be very popular among the establishment and weak-kneed Republicans who voted with Madigan and Pritzker to raise your taxes." Bailey said this after knowing Irvin's announcement to run for Illinois governor.

Irvin's running mate for lieutenant governor, State Rep. Avery Bourne (R-Pawnee), could be a thorn in his side. Bourne slammed Bailey in May 2020 when the senator from Xenia refused to wear a mask on the Senate floor. 

"Through fake tears she screamed at the entire House Republican Caucus to just 'wear our masks,' screaming specifically at me, 'Just put on your  f---ing mask,'" Bailey wrote of the incident. 

Irvin and Bourne have been branded "Madigan's favorite Republicans" for supporting Gov. J.B. Pritzker's COVID-19 regulations.

Irvin has got some big names supporting his campaign — billionaire Ken Griffin and Illinois House of Representatives GOP leader Jim Durkin. 

Homer Township Supervisor and Will County Board Member Steve Balich and political strategist Chris Robling have also questioned Irvin’s absence from the forum.