Political hopeful Blumenshine wants seat on the McLean County Board

MCLEAN COUNTY (25News Now) - A conservative radio talk show host, who’s a leader of the McLean County Republican Party, wants a seat on the county board.

Tuesday, David Paul Blumenshine said he’s asking the board to appoint him to fill the vacant seat in District 5, which covers much of Normal.

Former County Board Chair John McIntyre announced his resignation September 5, meaning the board must pick McIntyre’s replacement to represent the district until the next election. Because McIntyre is a Republican, his replacement must be from the same party.

In a statement posted on Cities 92.9 Facebook page, Blumenshine said his goal is to “represent all people of the 5th District and of McLean County in becoming a debt-free, safe and affordable place to call home while providing for the needs of every citizen.”

Blumenshine is well-known on the local political scene, twice running unsuccessfully for the Illinois General Assembly in addition to narrowly losing his bid to become a Normal Town Council member.

He’s currently a division chair representing Normal on the McLean County Republican Party’s executive board, according to the party’s official website.

Blumenshine gained notoriety for hosting the radio station’s bus trip to protests on Capitol Hill that later became a deadly riot against the results of the 2020 presidential election.

On his 92.9 radio show, Blumenshine called the January 6, 2021 riot “political theater” and said he and other local backers of former President Donald Trump performed a patriotic act that day. Blumenshine denies taking part in any of the violence.

It’s not clear whether Blumenshine can receive majority support to win a spot on the board. Democrats hold a 10-9 advantage after Eric Hansen took his seat last week to fill a vacancy in District 8.

Copyright 2023 WEEK. All rights reserved.