Southern Illinois News

Patrick Windhorst, the Republican candidate for the 118th House District, was recently endorsed by U.S. Rep. John Shimkus (R-Ill.), a congressman since 1997.

Windhorst said on Facebook that he was “honored” to be mentioned in Shimkus’ 2018 Voter Guide. The guide appears on the congressman’s website, and Windhorst is one of five candidates featured with photos and a testimonial written by Shimkus.

“You and I know that Illinois is going in the wrong direction,” Shimkus states. “We need a conservative fighter who will work to lower taxes, balance the budget, and replace Mike Madigan. Patrick Windhorst is that conservative fighter.”

Rep. Natalie Phelps Finnie (D-Harrisburg)

Windhorst also posted a Facebook link to a recent radio interview he did with WJPF. At the beginning of the segment, host Tom Miller said the election seems weighted with attack ads instead of substantive issues.

“I’ve noticed it because it’s dealing with a problem that’s been created over 30 years,” Windhorst said. “It’s failure in Springfield to address the real issues we’re facing.”

Windhorst said out-migration from higher taxes was the proverbial “straw that broke the camel’s back” because it leaves fewer citizens to shoulder the same tax burden.

“The politicians will say we’ve got to raise more taxes, and that will cause more people to leave,” Windhorst said. “It’s a death spiral for the state.”

On his website, Windhorst identifies lower taxes, more jobs, less spending and term limits as remedies for the state’s fiscal woes.

“I’m pro-life, I’m pro-2nd Amendment, I will provide conservative leadership in Springfield,” he said. “I will be an independent voice to make sure the reforms and changes I’ve talked about will get done in Springfield.”

Windhorst is running against Rep. Natalie Phelps Finnie (D-Harrisburg) in November's general election. 

The 118th District includes Alexander, Gallatin, Hamilton, Hardin, Jackson, Johnson, Massac, Pope, Pulaski, Saline and Union counties.