Rock Island Today

Russell Christ, the Republican candidate for Rock Island County clerk, promises voters a new approach when it comes to operating the office.

"The office of county clerk has been in the hands of one party for 66 years in Rock Island County," Christ told Rock Island Today. "It's time for a change, and I will bring a fresh new evaluation of all the responsibilities of the office."

Christ is running against Democratic incumbent Karen Kinney in November’s election. His 43 years with John Deere is the experience needed to solve the county’s issues, he said.

Karen Kinney

He promises to bring Trust, Accuracy and Performance, what he refers to as “TAP,” to the clerk’s office.

"When elected to the office of county clerk, I promise to fulfill TAP to the best of my abilities using the 43 management of experience with Deere & Co., from a local, national and global basis," Christ said on his campaign website. ”I have also had the opportunity to cultivate many 'staff' positions in my 45 plus years of engaging people of many cultures and walks of life.”

Christ believes the primary issues for the county clerk office is supporting voter ID, bringing back paper ballot voting procedures and updating the county's voter database.

He also wants to improve the voting process to ensure accuracy and prevent voter manipulation by foreign governments, he said.

"Rock Island County residents deserve to have a new approach to how the county clerk's office functions," Christ said. "By cultivating a well trained and equipped staff, we can make improvements that will benefit the citizens and administration in Rock Island County."

Christ currently serves as Precinct Committeeman of South Rock Island District 14 and previously served as second vice chairman of the Rock Island Republican Party.

Rock Island County includes the cities of East Moline, Moline, Rock Island and Silvis.