Press Releases...

2008

Illinois General Assembly

 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE                                                        

January 9, 2007                                                                                  

Lawmakers Lend Support to Watson on Iraq Deployment

Jacksonville, IL – Following last week’s announcement that State Representative Jim Watson will be deploying to Iraq, several of his legislative colleagues gathered today to show their support for Watson and his constituents. 

At a press conference held at his district office, Representative Watson was joined by State Representatives Rich Brauer, Bill Mitchell, Rich Myers, Ron Stephens and Jil Tracy.  The lawmakers voiced their support for Watson’s service and promised that the interests of his district will be well-represented while he serves his tour-of-duty in Iraq.

Representative Watson re-enlisted last May as an E-6 Staff Sergeant in the United States Marine Corps Reserves, attached to the Civil Affairs Group (CAG) at Camp Pendleton, California.  Watson is set to deploy to Iraq next month as a member of the 1^st Marine Expeditionary Force’s (I MEF) Headquarters Unit.

Assistant Republican Leader Ron Stephens, a decorated veteran of the Vietnam War with a son currently serving in Iraq, has introduced House Resolution 889 honoring Watson for his service to our country.

“Jim Watson is making a sacrifice for our country and for our freedom,” Stephens said.  “He is setting a great example for the next generation of Americans.  I am honored by his friendship and know that he will do a great job helping to rebuild democracy in Iraq.”

Representative Bill Mitchell thanked Watson for his leadership and service to the country.

“Jim’s my friend and colleague, but more importantly, he’s a strong voice for his district in the Illinois House,” said Mitchell.  “While we are going to miss him, we want to thank him for his service and wish him a safe return.  And we want to assure his constituents that their voices will continue to be heard in Springfield.”

Representative Jil Tracy, of the adjacent 93^rd District, indicated her support for Watson and his district.

“I’ve told Jim that we’ll be holding traveling office hours in his district, just to be sure that his constituents’ interests are well-represented,” Tracy said.  “He has our full support and we are very proud of him.”

Representative Watson was humbled by the support of his colleagues and the many positive calls he has received since announcing his pending deployment last week. 

“The outpouring of support from the community and my friends in the General Assembly has been tremendous,” Watson said.  “I want to thank everyone for their support and encouragement.  It’s reassuring to know that my district and constituents will be taken care of while I’m serving in Iraq.”

Watson announced that his office will remain open to provide constituent services while he is away.  His fellow legislators have offered to hold office hours throughout the 97^th District for Representative Watson’s constituents during his tour-of-duty.  Also, several House colleagues have agreed to carry Watson’s legislation through the bill-making process.