Rock Island County Republican Central Committee Chairman Drue Mielke has said the committee will not support 72nd House District candidate Glen Evans due to records that came to light during a criminal background check.
Mielke said a major concern of the Republican leadership was for Evans and his family.
"To comment further is unnecessary and would violate Christian charity and would infringe on Mr. Evan's dignity," Mielke said in an interview with Rock Island Today. "Mr. Evans chooses to remain in the race, and that is his right and I respect his rights."
Rock Island County Republican Central Committee Chairman Drue Mielke
Mielke said the county Republican Party will remain faithful to its core beliefs and values.
"Our Rock Island County Republican Party will remain faithful to our beliefs and values that reflect our county, our state and our country," Mielke said. "For these reasons, the Rock Island County Republican Central Committee is not supporting the candidacy of Mr. Glen Evans."
Mielke said the purpose of the committee's statement was for truthful reporting to the community it serves and that it will not cast aspersions.
"Personally, I am saddened by the course of events," Mielke said. "I wish Mr. Evans well in the future and I view these circumstances as unfortunate."
The Rock Island County Republican Central Committee asked Evans to drop his bid for election this week after records from Evans' criminal background check were brought to its attention.
Mielke and several other officials went to Evans and asked him to withdraw, but Evans refused to do so.
Evans will challenge incumbent Rep. Mike Halpin (D-Rock Island) in the November election.
Evans was charged with criminal trespass and criminal contempt after violating an order of protection in December 1997. The charges were dismissed two months later, according to court documents.
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