Politically Speaking

As he tries to become the next St. Charles County executive, former state Sen. Bill Eigel is defending his fundraising strategies that inspired Republican House members to advance legislation curtailing recurring campaign contributions. Eigel speaks with STLPR’s Jason Rosenbaum on the Politically Speaking Hour on St. Louis on the Air. Rosenbaum reports from Springfield on how Missouri Republicans at Lincoln Days are preparing for the 2026 election. And he also talks with STLPR's Will Bauer about Illinois Gov. JB Pritzker's State of the State and Budget Address.

The Chicago-area real estate developer, video gambling mogul and fuel company owner entered the GOP primary in Illinois governor's race late last fall. On this episode of Politically Speaking, Heidner makes his case for why he's the right Republican to take on Gov. JB Pritzker.

The Chicago-area sheriff believes his lengthy law enforcement career positions him best to address public safety and criminal justice issues in the Republican race for governor. On the latest episode of Politically Speaking, St. Louis Public Radio's Will Bauer sits down with Mendrick to discuss how he would govern as Illinois' chief executive.

U.S. Rep. Bob Onder said it’s possible that lawmakers may not come up with an agreement to keep the federal government fully open past Friday.

While lawmakers passed a number of appropriations bills, they held off on passing a measure funding the Department of Homeland Security, which could disrupt the Federal Emergency Management Agency and the Transportation Safety Administration.

Democrats have demanded that the Homeland Security funding bill include guardrails, especially after ICE and Border Patrol’s actions in Minnesota drew nationwide outrage. On the latest edition of the Politically Speaking podcast, Onder acknowledged that he was “disturbed” by what went on in Minneapolis and other places around the country. But he also criticized states that allow sanctuary cities which limit cooperation with federal immigration officials.

Should Illinois Republicans renominate Darren Bailey as their gubernatorial candidate or should they choose a political newcomer to take on Gov. JB Pritzker in November? On the latest episode of Politically Speaking, STLPR's Will Bauer talks with Bailey about his second candidacy to be chief executive in the Land of Lincoln.