Shimkus Announces Intention To Seek Re-Election

Congressman John Shimkus is running for another term in Congress. He was in Effingham today at the old courthouse and made the announcement during a two-day tour of the 15th Congressional District.

Shimkus had earlier stated he would only run for six terms, but feels he should let the voters decide if they like the job he is doing. No challengers have announced a run.

"It is my intention to seek another term in the United States House of Representatives, if the citizens of the 15th District of Illinois will allow me that honor," said Shimkus.

"The last year has been more drarnatic and intense than nearly any other year that I have served," he noted. "However, the issues discussed have been very important to the future of our nation -- the fiscal future, the future of our individual rights, and the overall direction of government.

"I often say that Republicans only control one-half of one-third of the federal govemment. Can you imagine what the Democrats would do if they controlled the House in addition to the Senate in the President's last two years in office? I know I don't want to see that and thus ask for your support as I seek re-election."

Shimkus and his family -- wife Karen and sons David, Joshua, and Daniel -- liive in his hometown of Collinsville. They are members of Holy Cross Lutheran Church.

He is a graduate of the U.S. Military Academy at West Point, served active duty for over five years and then in the Reserves until his retirement in 2008. He taught high school and was elected twice as Madison County Treasurer before being first elected to Congress in 1996. He also earned his Master in Business Administration from Southern Illinois University Edwardsville.

The 15th District now consists of 33 counties stretching from Ford and Vermilion counties on the north to Massac County at the most southern end of the state and from the congressman's home in the west to the Indiana border on the east.

Shimkus serves on the House Energy and Commerce Committee, and because of its broad jurisdiction he is only allowed that one comrnittee. He is chairman of the Subcommittee on Environment and the Economy, which handles nuclear waste, coal ash regulation, and chemical safety among other areas. In addition he serves on the subcommittees on Energy and Power; Communications and Technology and Health.

The primary election is Tuesday, March 18, 2014, and the general election is Tuesday, November 4, 2013.