State Rep. Chris Miller (R-Robinson) is hosting a campaign fundraiser, “Bluegrass and Burgers,” at Miller Park in Oakland Sept. 2 from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m.

State Rep. Darren Bailey (R-Louisville), who is also a candidate for state senator of the 55th district, and State Rep. Brad Halbrook (R-Shelbyville) will be speaking for the event.

Bailey began his term as representative for the 109th District in January. 

Bailey has sponsored bills pertaining to allowing school boards to display “In God We Trust” in conspicuous locations inside or outside of school buildings, term limits for specific leadership roles in Illinois state government and a bill that states that public aid would not cover gender reassignment surgery or surgeries related to gender reassignment if passed.

Bailey is running for State Sen. Dale Righter’s senate seat. 

Righter announced he would not seek re-election in May.

Halbrook is known for sponsoring a resolution that urges the U.S. Congress to “declare the City of Chicago the 51st state of the United States of America and separate it from the rest of Illinois.”

Miller works with both representatives closely; they often co-sponsor each other’s bills and hold events together.

According to Miller’s Facebook page, the fundraiser is being held because “Democrats will be well-funded in 2020, and they are looking for victories in traditional Republican strongholds.”

Miller said in his post that he expects a Democratic candidate to run against him after his two-year term.

“Our values and way of life are under attack. There are a growing number of lawmakers like me who are willing to stand up to the far-left Chicago politicians who are desperately trying to turn Illinois into the California of the Midwest,” Miller said in his Facebook post.

The fundraiser will feature a dinner including a hamburger, country beans, sweet corn, chips and dessert for a recommended donation of $10.

The King Family Band will be performing throughout the fundraiser.

Corryn Brock can be reached at 581-2812 or at cebrock@eiu.edu.