Recently, the Chairman of the Madison County Democrat party issued a press release criticizing the opinion issued by newly elected State's Attorney, Tom Haine, concerning those operating and patronizing local business. In his release, Harris stated: “Thomas Haine has shown that he intends to use his official office for purely political purposes to advance his own public career. It took Mr. Haine less than a month to play politics with his official duties, as Mr. Haine knows, that the State mandates and the Edwardsville orders are not criminal issues, they are civil in nature. Mr. Haine is playing politics with the lives of people in Madison County, rather than fulfilling his duty and obligation to protect the public,” Madison County Democratic Party Chair Randy Harris said.

Madison County Republican Chairman, Ray Wesley, responded to Harris’s criticism of Haine.

Get The Latest News!

Don't miss our top stories and need-to-know news everyday in your inbox.

"Democratic Party Chairman Randy Harris apparently has not recovered from the rebuke of the Democratic ideals and philosophies the voters in Madison County recently voiced. He has decided to continue campaign rhetoric by politicizing a clarification letter published by newly elected Madison County State's Attorney Thomas Haine on interpretations of the law sought by concerned citizens and business leaders in Madison County.

Article continues after sponsor message

Mr. Harris continues to push punitive lockdown policies on the business community in Madison County. It is good he recognizes that Governor J.B. Pritzker's executive orders have no criminal effect, as State's Attorney Thomas Haine has helpfully clarified.

Mr. Harris should take note that his own Democratic Governor is constantly threatening criminal repercussions for those who violate his dictates, making Mr. Haine's clarifying statement even more necessary. I appreciate that we have a State's Attorney, Mr. Haine, who is willing to stand up and say what the law is, no matter the perceived political repercussions leveled at him from local partisan leaders who don’t understand the law."

- This is a statement from Ray Wesley, Madison County Republican Party Chairman about a recent Randy Harris letter.

Opinions expressed in this section are solely those of the individual authors and do not represent the views of RiverBender.com or its affiliates. We provide a platform for community voices, but the responsibility for opinions rests with their authors.

Prefer RiverBender on Google
Copyright 2026 Riverbender.com. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

 

More like this:

Sheriff Connor Says 1993 Homicide Never Forgotten In Madison County
May 27, 2026
Forensic DNA Breakthrough Revives 33-Year-Old Madison County Murder
May 26, 2026
Vito Crowder Gets 35 Years in RaNiya Steward Killing
Jun 11, 2026
Alton Man Sentenced to 74 Years for Child Sexual Assault
Mar 24, 2026
Woman Faces Five Criminal Sexual Assault Charges
May 5, 2026