McHenry Times

The Illinois Citizens for Life political action committee has endorsed Illinois Sen. Dave Syverson (R-Cherry Valley) in the newly drawn 35th District that includes parts of Boone, McHenry, Winnebago, Dekalb and Kane counties.

“As dean of the Senate, Sen. Syverson's strong pro-life voting record since day one is a testimony to his commitment to life," Ralph Rivera, chairman of Illinois Citizens for Life, said in a statement. "Dave's 100% pro-life voting record is why we need to make sure he is re-elected. As Springfield Democrats push for taxpayer-funded abortions and ending parental notification, Dave's consistent and vocal defense of life is needed now more than ever before."

Syverson said in a statement that he welcomes the endorsement.

"I am grateful and honored to have been recognized for my work and support of pro-life initiatives," he said. "The right-to-life leaders in Illinois are always there to support me when I need them to stand up for our families to be allowed to make their own decisions for their children, especially when it pertains to health, safety and education." 

In its endorsement, Illinois Citizens for Life said Syverson is "a staunch believer that parents should be the ones making decisions for their children, especially when it pertains to their health, safety and education."

Syverson has also received the endorsement of Jeanne Ives, former state representative and West Point veteran, who ran for governor against Bruce Rauner in 2018. In her endorsement, Ives stated, "Dave Syverson has always been an advocate for life, families and Illinois taxpayers, and as someone who worked with Dave in Springfield, I support him in his efforts to defend us against the Democrats and their radical agenda."

Each year, Illinois Right to Life reviews more than 5,000 bills that have been introduced in the Illinois legislature "looking for any language that is anti-life, as well as any language that can have an impact on the pro-life movement in Illinois," the group said on its website.