Congressman foresees challenges for 13th District
Updated: November 8, 2012
CHAMPAIGN -- Rodney Davis was elected Tuesday to take his spot. Wednesday, Tim Johnson weighed in on what he sees in the district's future.
Tim Johnson wishes Rodney Davis the best of luck and says he's going to need it. Johnson says Davis will have to work hard to get past all the negativity surrounding his campaign. He may have to prove to others he can reach across the aisle.
The fact the race was so close doesn't help. Davis won by just 1,000 votes and David Gill hasn't conceded yet.
Add to all that, the 13th District is now a swing district which could lead to more vicious campaigns and the pressure to raise even more money.
"You can't focus on raising money for agriculture or defense. You have to focus on raising money for special interest groups. And that's really sad, but it's just a reality, and I think this is just one of many areas that confirmed to me the wisdom of my decision," says Johnson.
The latest campaign filing shows outside groups and donors spent $42 million on House races in Illinois.
The 13th District is in the top ten most expensive Congressional races in the country. Outside groups and donors spent $8 million here.
Tim Johnson wishes Rodney Davis the best of luck and says he's going to need it. Johnson says Davis will have to work hard to get past all the negativity surrounding his campaign. He may have to prove to others he can reach across the aisle.
The fact the race was so close doesn't help. Davis won by just 1,000 votes and David Gill hasn't conceded yet.
Add to all that, the 13th District is now a swing district which could lead to more vicious campaigns and the pressure to raise even more money.
"You can't focus on raising money for agriculture or defense. You have to focus on raising money for special interest groups. And that's really sad, but it's just a reality, and I think this is just one of many areas that confirmed to me the wisdom of my decision," says Johnson.
The latest campaign filing shows outside groups and donors spent $42 million on House races in Illinois.
The 13th District is in the top ten most expensive Congressional races in the country. Outside groups and donors spent $8 million here.
