Donald Trump Jr. joins Darren Bailey for Effingham fundraiser

Oct. 30—Darren Bailey held a fundraiser for his congressional campaign at the Thelma Keller Convention Center in Effingham Friday, which included a speech from the son of former U.S. President Donald Trump, Donald Trump Jr.

"Who in the world thought that a member of the Trump family would be here in Effingham, Illinois," Bailey said during the fundraiser.

Bailey's fundraising efforts continue as he prepares to face off against the incumbent representative for Illinois 12th District, U.S. Rep. Mike Bost.

For the cost of attending the event, attendees were given a copy of the former president's book, "Letters to Trump."

Trump Jr. did not announce that he or his father would be officially endorsing Bailey in his congressional race.

In his speech, Bailey criticized the current U.S. Congress, accusing members of "utter incompetence" in light of the recent race for the speaker of the House of Representatives, which led to some division among Republicans who struggled for weeks to select a new speaker to replace ousted speaker Kevin McCarthy.

"It's time to send a message that echoes from the heart of southern Illinois to the heart of congress that we have had enough," Bailey said. "We have career politicians in congress who struggle to accomplish the most basic aspects of their job: choosing a speaker and passing a budget. It's embarrassing."

Bailey also voiced his support for Trump in the 2024 presidential election, and he said that during Trump's presidency, gas prices were lower and the border was more secure than it is under President Joe Biden.

Bailey also told the crowd of supporters that he visited Trump's Mar-a-Lago resort the night prior to the fundraiser.

"Our nation was on a main street," Bailey said regarding the four years Trump served as president. "And the world respected American strength. With your help, we will make America great again because it once was."

Also in his speech, Bailey criticized his opponent in the 2024 congressional race, Bost, calling him a "career politician."

"That's why we need term limits," Bailey said. "If we want to get our nation back on track, you know that we need fresh voices."

Additionally, he criticized Bost for working for with Republicans who have been critical of Trump, such as former U.S. Rep. Adam Kinzinger, and for supporting U.S. Rep. Tom Emmer during his run for speaker. After his speech, Bailey shared his thoughts about the new speaker of the house, U.S. Rep. Mike Johnson, who was among those who attempted to overturn the 2020 presidential election.

"I'm happy about it because this man is a man of God," Bailey said of Johnson. "He's not a career politician. He's a constitutional attorney, and he fights for Trump."

He said he's not concerned about Johnson's efforts to overturn the election because he doesn't believe those efforts violated the constitution.

Bailey again clarified that he accepts the results of the 2020 presidential election.

"I've said from day one, Joe Biden is the duly elected president," Bailey said.

Bailey also commented on the recent ousting of McCarthy as speaker, calling his removal "very necessary," and he argued that Rep. Matt Gaetz, who filed the motion to remove McCarthy, and the other Republicans who opposed McCarthy's speakership "exposed a problem that was destroying our country."

When asked if he supported further funding for Ukraine as the country continues to fight Russian military forces, Bailey said there would have to be more transparency with how any funds are spent first, and he claimed that other issues, particularly immigration, will be a higher priority for him if elected.

"I do not support anymore blank checks," Bailey said. "We've got a wall that we've gotta build now."

According to Bailey, his first priority if elected will be to get a budget passed, and he said Americans should begin treating its government like a business.

"I want to defund Planned Parenthood out of the budget," he said. "I want lower taxes. I want less government. We have everything that we need."

Meanwhile, Donald Trump Jr. called the Russia-Ukraine War "yet another never ending war" and criticized members of congress who continue to vote in favor of additional funding for Ukraine.

"For them it's the number one issue," Trump Jr. said. "So they're concerned about Ukraine's border but not our own. You don't end this war until we stop the money."

Additionally, he claimed that Ukrainian military leaders are using the funds given to them by the United States for their own personal use, and he argued that the United States would be less involved in foreign conflicts in general if his father were still in office.

Trump Jr. also defended those arrested for their role in the attack on the U.S. Capital on Jan. 6 of 2021, calling them "non-violent offenders."

Hundreds have been charged for their role in the events of Jan. 6, including several who were charged with assaulting members of law enforcement.

Trump Jr. also commented on the various charges his father is currently facing in multiple states.

"They're trying to put my father in prison for 1,000 years," Trump Jr. said. "His offense was taking on the establishment in Washington D.C. He got a lot done despite so many people working against him."

Others who attended the event included Illinois State Rep. Adam Niemerg, Illinois State Rep. Blaine Wilhour, both of whom spoke in support of Bailey.

Nick Taylor can be reached at nick.taylor@effinghamdailynews.com or by phone at 618-510-9226 or 217-347-7151 ext. 300132.