RED BUD—Jeremy Walker today announced he is running for State Senate in what is the most Democratic district held by a Republican Senator.  Over 19,000 Democrats, compared to 11,000 Republicans, routinely pull primary ballots in the 58^th Senate District. 

“We need leaders with solid policy ideas and the drive to implement them.” Walker added, “I feel that I have both, which is why I have decided to run for state senate.”

Walker cited getting the economy going again as the key reason for why he is running.  Walker said it is time for a new generation of leadership that would focus on solutions instead of the partisan bickering that has plagued Springfield for a decade.  With roughly 10.5% unemployment in Southern Illinois a focus on the economy is sorely needed.

“I am excited to start talking with the voters about my plan to create jobs,” said Walker. “We need two tracks to get people back to work -- tax incentives and stimulus money for immediate job creation and investing in new technologies for the jobs of the future. I will do all that I possibly can in Springfield to help put people to work in Southern Illinois,” added Walker.

Revitalizing the struggling coal industry in Southern Illinois, as well as making sure the funds in the Capital Bill are allocated immediately to create thousands of jobs, are Walker’s top priorities. 

“I understand people are hurting in this economy. I will fight for them in the state legislature,” added Walker.  He continued, “I grew up on a farm and have seen how hard families struggle. I know we can do better.”

About Jeremy Walker—Jeremy Walker’s early childhood was spent on a farm near Gillespie, Illinois.  His family moved to Red Bud where he graduated from high school.  Walker went on to graduate from SIU Carbondale with an undergraduate degree in Political Science, a minor in Agribusiness Economics.  He followed this by earning a degree from the SIU School of Law.  In 2005 he was appointed the Public Defender for Randolph County.  He is a partner in the law firm, Arbeiter and Walker, with offices in Chester and Red Bud, Illinois.  Jeremy is an avid sportsman and lives in Red Bud with his wife Jennifer, a Red Bud native.