Press Release:  Five Days Later, ILGOP Leadership Refuses to Condemn Illini Republicans’ Hateful Post

Chicago, IL – Five days ago, Illini Republicans posted on Instagram that they “stand with ICE” while sharing a graphic image celebrating violence, prompting condemnation from elected officials, school leadership, and students across Illinois. Democratic Party of Illinois Chair Lisa Hernandez demanded that the Illinois Republican Party and every Republican candidate in our state denounce the post. ILGOP leadership has refused.

Party Chair Kathy Salvi, House Republican Leader Tony McCombie, Senate Republican Leader John Curran, gubernatorial front-runner Darren Bailey, and Senate GOP front-runner Don Tracy have all refused to condemn the post. By refusing to speak out, they’re sending a clear message that ILGOP leaders are willing to excuse rhetoric that celebrates violence against American citizens and puts students on college campuses at risk.

With primary day just six weeks away, Illinois voters deserve answers. Will Republican leadership condemn this post and reject political violence, or will they continue to stay silent?

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