Davis stumps for cash in Quincy

9 months ago by Jamie Busen

Congressional aide running for 13th District U.S. House spot

Rodney Davis, the Republican running for Congress in the new 13th District, is in Quincy for a Monday night fundraiser at the Holiday Inn.

Davis, who has worked for 16 years as an aide to Congressman John Shimkus, was chosen by Republican officials for longtime Congressman Tim Johnson's seat in May. The reception tonight was put together by Shimkus, U.S. Rep. Aaron Schock and Rep. Bobby Schilling, with Rep. Jil Tracy being the special guest.

Davis has spent the last 10 and a half weeks traveling the 14 counties in the District, which is to the south and east of Quincy. Davis said he's spent a lot of time in Quincy, having been here when Shimkus represented the area.

"The same issues that are facing the people of Quincy are the same issues that are facing the people in our District. They are the issues that Americans are facing," he said. "Small businesses need tax certainty, they need to understand what their tax bill is going to be at the end of the year and they won't get that without the Federal government and Congress doing their job and extending current tax rates permanently."

When that happens, Davis continued, small businesses will start to invest in equipment, inventory and people. And that's how the economy recovers, he said.

"They are going to be the ones who create jobs ... and they can't do that unless they understand what their costs in the future are going to be."

Other issues facing his would-be constituents include a Farm Bill - or lack thereof.

"I think it's an abysmal failure of not only Democrats, but Republicans in Washington if they can't come together on something so important," Davis said. "If we don't see action out of Washington, then both parties need to be blamed for inaction. I look forward to sitting around the table...for a long-term, comprehensive Farm Bill."

He also believes in repealing and replacing President Obama's Health Care Act.

"I understand a safety net," for the underserved and uninsured, he said. "But I think there's a much better way than what's laid out in current law."

He's a big believer in medical choice, and said there needs to be a system in place that's going to put the doctor/patient cost relationship "back together again. And we can do that by beginning to sell insurance plans across state lines."

He also said that existing, federally-qualified community health centers would allow underserved/uninsured people access to the primary care they need, and keep them out of the emergency rooms - where the costs are passed along to others.

Davis believes his experience in working in Springfield will help him hit the ground running in Washington D.C., with a "very small learning curve." In addition to helping local leaders work in cooperation with the government, Davis said he learned "how to listen. And how to act upon suggestions and ideas from constituents. I look forward to having a voice."

On the Web: http://www.electrodney.com/