Paul Schimpf, Republican candidate for state Senate in the 58th district, recently stressed that he is running for office because Springfield needs common sense leadership that can be trusted.
“Many friends have asked me why, after a successful career in the United States Marine Corps, I would want to enter the dysfunction of politics and put my family through the crucible of a campaign,” he said. “The answer is simple: when I hung up my uniform, it didn’t change who I am. I believe you have a duty to serve. I also believe that the magnitude of the challenges facing our state require those who have the ability to unite our state and provide leadership to offer their service.”
Schimpf explained that he is asking for constituents' votes and trust, and he said he realizes that he is not the first politician who has done that.
“But what’s different about me is, even if you haven’t met me before this campaign started, you’ve actually been trusting me for 24 years,” he said. “You were trusting me when I was a student at the United States Naval Academy to get a good education and make sure that your tax dollars were not wasted.”
He also explained that the people trusted him when he was an infantry officer in the U.S. Marine Corps to make sure that the young marines and sailors under his command were well-trained and kept safe.
“You were trusting me when I was a prosecutor for the United States Marine Corp to seek justice, not convictions,” he said. “And you were even trusting me when I was the lead attorney adviser in the trial of Saddam Hussein. You were trusting me to represent the United States and to make sure that international due process standards were satisfied.”
He argued that people can trust him to vote as a representative of Southern Illinois' values and one who will work hard on their behalf.
“I want to continue to serve you,” he said. “I want to represent you in Springfield. If you want a state Senator who is going to work hard, make you proud and vote our values, vote for Paul Schimpf and send common sense leadership we can trust back to Springfield.”
Schimpf stressed that Illinois can have a brighter future, and being born and raised in Southern Illinois, he said he understands the importance of jobs, defending values and protecting families in the region.
“People are the priority, not partisan politics,” he said. “I know it is an uphill climb, but Southern Illinois is worth it.”
Schimpf further explained that those who have had successful careers in the United States military bring several important characteristics to the table. First, they are able to work with people from across the political and social spectrum. Second, they are not afraid of a challenge and they are not afraid to be thrown into the “proverbial deep end of the pool.”
Schimpf said that he is not intimidated by the dysfunction that currently reigns in Springfield and he said he believes he can help turn Illinois around.
“We will not, however, turn our state around until we get our fiscal house in order,” he said. “This will be my top priority as a state Senator and it is the reason I am running for office.”
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