Jerry Long, the Republican candidate for the District 76 state House seat, recently revealed via his Facebook page that he has attained the enthusiastic endorsement of former Republican state Sen. Gary Dahl, expressing gratitude for the statesman’s support.
“I am humbled and honored by the comments of Sen. Gary Dahl in his endorsement of me,” Long posted on Oct. 21.
Dahl represented the 38th District of Illinois from 2005 until December 2010.
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"Jerry Long is a man of principle who will put people ahead of politics, and that's exactly the type of change we need in the General Assembly,” Dahl said.
Having defeated Jacob Bramel in the Republican primary earlier in 2016, self-described “principled conservative” Long is striving to unseat state Rep. Andy Skoog (D-LaSalle). Campaigning on a platform of average citizenship motivated by strong ties to family and community, Long said 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 said this year. “These voters are hard-working, loyal people who value their families, and they want limited government. I share those traits.”
Long is a uniquely qualified candidate, coming from a working man’s background and campaigning with an ear to the ground in terms of his connection to his constituents as a third-generation union worker and three-decade Teamster member.
"Because of his blue-collar experience, Long listens to the concerns of the voters and connects with people in a real way,” Dahl said.
When Long ran in 2014, he lost by only 337 votes, less than 1 percent. Now the 30-year career logistics transporter is looking to make a comeback and once again will vie to represent the 76th District.
Dahl was unequivocal in his support for Long, emphasizing the candidate’s grounded perspective on what Illinois residents need.
“(Long) knows how to get our economy moving again, and he will stand up for working families and small businesses in the 76th District,” Dahl said.
Long wants to revitalize Illinois, starting with spending wisely, demonstrating political independence in the legislature and giving local jurisdictions back a measure of independence. Long favors more equitable school-funding allocation, charter schools, tuition vouchers and local school system independence.
“I am a union truck driver by trade, but am a student of free-market economics and firmly believe that the policies of the Democratic Party, led by (House) Speaker (Mike) Madigan (D-Chicago) and Senate President (John) Cullerton (D-Chicago)...have destroyed our economy because they could not control their spending on pet and pork projects,” Long said. “We have enough revenue, we just don't prioritize how we spend it.”
A longtime Streator resident, Long is an avid participant in multiple causes and organizations, including Second Amendment and pro-life causes. He supports term limits, enjoys history and local sports, and studies economics. He has written extensively for The Times newspaper’s “Write Team” and keeps a log of his activities on his Facebook page.
“This is about electing a representative of the people,” Long said. “More and more voters are embracing our blue-collar approach to politics.”
Long wants to streamline the pension system, minimize regulatory oversight in education, and see the Independent Map Amendment on 2018’s ballot. Long advocates making Illinois more business-friendly. To resolve pension issues, Long envisions modifying the current system with a constitutional amendment to change or eliminate the state’s pension clause, basing public-sector pay on the inflation rate.
Dahl was known for his role in restoring Pluto’s status as a planet in 2009 at the state level, following its “demotion” to dwarf planet in 2006 by the International Astronomical Union. Dahl sponsored a bill in the Illinois Senate declaring March 13, 2009, as “Pluto Day” in Illinois. Additionally, Dahl worked to reform Illinois ethics laws.
Long recently gained an endorsement from the Chicago Tribune as well. Compared with his opponent, “Long is still the better choice here,” the Tribune said.
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