A day into the federal government shutdown, it's already turning into campaign fodder for next year's election.
Congressman Rodney Davis is facing competition from both sides as he aims to hold onto his central Illinois seat. The Taylorville Republican is looking at a primary challenge from former Miss America Erika Harold; three candidates are trying for the Democratic nomination: University of Illinois physicist George Gollin, U of I social policy analyst David Green and former Madison County Chief Judge Ann Callis.
Callis immediately pounced, saying Davis helped force the shutdown to score points with what she calls his "right wing base."
"He's one of many of the Republicans that are doing this. I mean if you don’t like a law you don't shut down the government. It is harming, and it's already coming out now. Hundreds of thousands of people are being affected by this. And it's not the right way to govern. It's just not."
In a statement, Congressman Davis calls the government shutdown "unacceptable," although he has consistently voted with House Republicans who are attempting to dismantle the Affordable Care Act.
The 13th district stretches across central Illinois, covering all or parts of Bloomington, Champaign, Edwardsville and Springfield.
