Springfield -- On Sunday, a group of veterans and elected officials gathered at the Illinois State Fair to announce the formation of “Veterans for Brady/Plummer,” a volunteer organization of supporters who believe Bill Brady and Jason Plummer are the right choice to protect and preserve veterans’ benefits and opportunities over the next four years.

“Our fiscal problems at the state level have affected each and every person in Illinois, including veterans and their families,” said State Representative and U.S. Army Veteran Ron Stephens.  “I’ve known Senator Brady for twenty years, and I assure you, veterans and their families will always be a top priority of his administration.  We need a real advocate in the Governor’s office, someone who stands by his word and someone who will protect the interests of the men and women who so bravely protected our freedoms abroad.”  Representative Stephens will be serving as chairman of “Veterans for Brady/Plummer.”

"I'm proud to be a co-chair of Vets for Brady/Plummer,” said Retired Brigadier General Jay Sheedy.  “Bill Brady represents the best leader to fix Illinois’ economy. Veterans deserve an economy that works not one that is broke.”

“We have nearly one million veterans who call Illinois home. More and more young men and women are returning from overseas each day,” said State Representative Jim Watson, who served in Operation Desert Storm and Operation Iraqi Freedom.  “It is essential that state government has in place a support system for these service members to provide quality employment opportunities and easy access to health benefits.  Right now the budget problems have created an unstable and unreliable network, which further puts members of our armed forces at risk.  That is unacceptable and it is time for a change.  I believe Senator Brady will be the clean break from the past that Illinois veterans and everyone else is looking for.”

Representatives Stephens and Watson were joined by statehouse colleagues Sen. John O. Jones and Rep. Mike Bost, who are serving as co-chairmen of “Veterans for Brady/Plummer.”  Also serving as co-chairman for “Veterans for Brady/Plummer” is Retired Brigadier General (IL) in the Illinois Air National Guard Wayne Rosenthal. Representatives Raymond Poe and Rich Brauer were in attendance to support the newly formed group and speak with area veterans.

“Veterans for Brady/Plummer” propose a common-sense agenda to protect veteran benefits, improve access to medical care for veterans and their families, and ensure the men and women serving our country overseas experience a smooth transition back home with quality job opportunities and affordable housing.

State Representative and U.S. Marine Mike Bost said that Illinois is lacking the leadership it needs from the Governor’s office during these difficult times.  “Illinois needs a real leader,” said Bost.  “The last eight years have been a disaster, both financially and ethically.  We need someone who is willing to make the tough choices to bring about real, top to bottom reform, and I believe Senator Brady is the right man for the job.”

Senator John O. Jones, a U.S. Air Force veteran, stressed that the compounded budget problems during the Blagojevich/Quinn administration have jeopardized state services, particularly to Illinois veterans.  “We need a Governor who is serious about tackling our budget problems, cutting waste and fraud throughout the states’ budget, and willing to take on the special interests that have bankrupted our state.  Senator Brady will do what it takes to protect vital veterans’ services and ensure Illinois provides a friendly business atmosphere with numerous job opportunities for veterans and all citizens alike.”

If you would like to join “Veterans for Brady/Plummer” please contact Chris Davis by phone at (217) 241-9830 or email This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .

Brady (R-Bloomington) is a small business owner who has represented his community as state Senator since 2002.  He is running for governor to bring a clean break to Illinois and build a job-growing environment.

Lt. Governor Nominee Jason Plummer serves his country as an Intelligence Officer in the United States Navy Reserves.  Plummer is also Vice President for R.P. Lumber Company, a family-owned and operated business. More information can be found at bradyforillinois.com.