South Cook News

Candidate for Illinois State House District 36, Christine Shanahan McGovern, expressed her disapproval of the recent elections bill passed on May 3. "Why would there be a need to add this at the last minute?" she questioned.

"This right here is why you should not vote for a Democrat," said Shanahan McGovern, according to Facebook. "Why would there be a need to add this at the last minute? I will put the interests of District 36 first. bviously the entire state of IL will benefit from Common Sense voting."

Shanahan McGovern further elaborated on her stance in a Facebook post. "Being elected is not about the ability to get elected but about the necessity of representing the voice and hearts of Illinois. I will NEVER side with this progressive bs that is happening in our state. Together WE win!" she wrote.

Screenshot of Christine Shanahan McGovern's May 3 Facebook post | Christine Shanahan McGovern for IL State Representative District 36 Facebook page

In the same Facebook post, Shanahan McGovern shared a link to a statement by the Chicago Republican Party regarding Senate Bill 2412. The bill, initially focused on child welfare, was discussed in detail by the party. "Yesterday, Illinois Democrats voted to protect their own cronies and take choice away from voters. At the 11th hour, Democrats added an amendment to prevent the slating of candidates, a practice that has been in place for years, in order to protect two of their own members facing legitimate challenges – Katie Stuart and Mary Edly-Allen. Democrats are running scared because they know their policies have made them increasingly unpopular, so they resort to tricks like these to protect their allies. This bill has nothing to do with child welfare," read the Chicago Republican Party's May 2 Facebook post.

Senate Bill 2412 was originally designed as an amendment to the Children and Family Services Act, aiming to clarify one of its purposes as placing children in suitable permanent family arrangements. However, an amendment from the House floor replaced everything after the enacting clause with changes to amend the elections code. This amendment will go into effect immediately upon signing and includes provisions for new acts starting January 1, 2025.

Shanahan McGovern is currently running as a Republican candidate for Illinois House of Representatives District 36. She ran unopposed in the Republican primary in March. On her campaign website, she describes herself as a mother and business owner who has lived in her community for nearly 29 years.