Illinois Valley Times

Third-generation union worker and three-decade Teamsters member Jerry Long is hitting the road as usual -- not only as a truck driver, but also as a Republican candidate running for the 76th District state House seat.

Having defeated Jacob Bramel in the Republican primary earlier in 2016, self-described “principled conservative” Long is running against incumbent Democratic Rep. Andy Skoog. Campaigning on a genuine platform of average citizenship motivated by strong ties to family and community, Long believes that economic growth is the solution to Illinois’ financial troubles rather than more taxation.

“I talk to people every day who are sick and tired of the political games in Springfield,” Long stated. “These voters are hard-working, loyal people who value their families, and they want limited government. I share those traits.”

A longtime Streator resident, Long is an avid participant in multiple causes and organizations, including 2nd amendment and pro-life rights. He supports term limits, enjoys history and local sports, and studies economics. He has written extensively for the online Times newspaper’s “Write Team” and keeps a current log of his activities on his Facebook page, recently profiling a young man from Ottawa who presented a moving Memorial Day speech.

“This is about electing a representative of the people,” Long said. “More and more voters are embracing our blue-collar approach to politics.”