Richard Irvin Rolling Into Week Two of His “Trump Problem”

After over two weeks of hiding from Illinoisans and dodging questions, Richard Irvin has yet to answer whether he supports Donald Trump. “Irvin has a Trump problem,” reported Politico, noting that Irvin dodged questions about Trump in interviews with WGN 9, ABC 7, and Crain’s.

Irvin refuses to say who he voted for in the 2016 and 2020 elections and has repeatedly “ducked and scrambled” to avoid saying whether he supports Trump. “He’s between a GOP primary rock and a general election hard place,” wrote Greg Hinz for Crain’s. “Irvin has good reason to be skittish.”

Irvin will have to answer the Trump litmus test and other tough questions if he hopes to have a chance in the crowded, extremist GOP primary. But in an interview with FOX 32, Irvin abruptly ended the interview when asked if he’d allow abortion in the case of rape, incest, or danger to the mother’s life.

“Perhaps they should send Democrat Irvin back to the basement with his boy Joe Biden,” tweeted GOP opponent Darren Bailey, who supports outlawing abortion, even in cases of rape and incest. “He clearly hasn’t learned all of his Republican talking points yet.”

“Get used to the venom,” wrote Politico.

“Richard Irvin is finding out the hard way that Ken Griffin’s talking points aren’t going to save him from a nasty GOP primary,” said DGA Senior Communications Advisor Christina Amestoy. “Whatever answer Griffin tells Irvin to give on his ‘Trump problem’ or views on abortion will either escalate GOP infighting or make him unelectable against Gov. JB Pritzker. Either way, Irvin has a long road ahead of him, and he’s doomed if he won’t start answering questions.”

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