Greenville Coach Announces Run for State Senate

George Barber, the head men’s basketball coach at Greenville University, is a candidate for the 54th District Senate seat in 2018.

“I’ve always had a desire to make public service part of my adult life,” Barber said. “It was one of two paths before me when I left college. I chose to pursue a career as a college coach with the idea of devoting time to public service later. Now is the time to step up and help meet the challenges Illinois faces.”

The 53-year-old Barber said he would model his service on principled conservatives such as Ronald Reagan (on whose campaign he worked while in college), former State Sen. Frank Watson and current State Sen. Kyle McCarter.

“I admire the personal character and quality of Ronald Regan. His time in office was a highlight for the Republican Party and our nation,” Barber said. “During our time in Greenville, I came to appreciate the accomplishments and bold leadership Senators Watson and McCarter showed while representing us in Springfield. I want to continue that legacy of leadership.”

Barber says Illinois is a great state to raise a family, but the opportunities and prosperity that made Illinois an economic leader in the 1990’s have been severely constrained today.

“The state economy is not what it once was, Barber said. “Today, it’s burdened by regulation, taxation and litigation making the cost of doing business a roadblock to business expansion and job creation. Additionally, Illinois government is not fiscally responsible. We need to lower the cost of doing business, untie the hands of entrepreneurs and make government live within our means. Other states are creating jobs and growing their economies. We can write our own success story too.”

The 54th Senate District covers all of Bond, Clinton, Fayette and Marion Counties and parts of Effingham, Madison, St. Clair and Washington Counties.