Approaching the November elections, Republican Paul Schimpf aims to bring “common-sense” legislating, conservative values and integrity to the state Senate in District 58, which covers Monroe, St. Clair, Randolph, Perry, Jackson, Union and Jefferson counties.
“My three goals on a personal level are simple, and they are the precursor to what I believe will hopefully be a successful term in office, if I am fortunate enough to earn the trust of the 58th District's voters,” Schimpf recently told Southwest Illinois News. “I will be honest, work hard, and vote according to the values and interests of the 58th Senate District.”
Former Lt. Gov. Sheila Simon (2011-2015) is the current Democrat opponent in the Senate race, but Schimpf is confident that he is the right candidate to address the issues Illinois and his district are facing.
Paul Schimpf
Schimpf is backed by retiring Sen. Dave Luechtefeld, also of District 58. He explained that he wants to embrace the integrity Luechtefeld brought to office, and refuses to be a part of a corrupt political system that he says current House Speaker Michael Madigan embraces.
Schimpf argued that the state needs a new perspective, a new set of eyes and new solutions.
“State government must tackle the threshold question of why Illinois is in trouble — job creators are either leaving or no longer coming to Illinois,” Schimpf said. “We must address this problem through reforms that establish budget certainty and make Illinois competitive with our neighboring states.”
What makes Schimpf the best candidate for the district?
“Leadership abilities versus political lineage,” he said.
Schimpf explained that Simon comes from a tradition of politicians who do very little to serve the state; instead, they are more likely to serve themselves. He also argued that he can be a leader for everyone, not just for one party.
“For too long the political class in Illinois has done little to fix the status quo in Springfield,” Schimpf said. "I stand ready to work with Democrats, Republicans, Chicagoans, suburbanites and my fellow down-staters to tackle the most pressing issues affecting Illinois.”
Schimpf lives in his hometown of Waterloo with his wife and two sons, and is an attorney and retired Marine.
“Hanging up my Marine Corps uniform for the final time didn't change who I am," he said. "I believe we all have a duty to serve our country, our state and our community. I'm not in politics for a second career — I'm continuing my lifetime of service. One of my core beliefs is that you have no right to complain about a situation unless you have tried to change it.”
Alerts Sign-up