The Reporter has learned that President Donald Trump’s Secretary of Housing and Urban Development, Dr. Ben Carson, will appear in Springfield on Wednesday, June 1, 2022 at the Crowne Plaza Hotel. Dr. Carson, a world-renowned neurosurgeon, first rose to national prominence for a speech he gave calling on the Obama administration to account for the pathologies stalking America’s minority communities. Carson will appear in Springfield at a fundraiser for Jesse Reising’s run for the Republican nomination in the 13th Congressional District. The 13th Congressional District is the snake-like sliver of territory running from Champaign to Springfield to East St Louis. Asked what it meant to his campaign to have President Trump’s HUD secretary headlining his event, Reising responded, “It is a tremendous honor for someone as respected as Dr. Carson to support my candidacy in this way. Dr. Carson’s inspiring life story, growing up in poverty and rising to the pinnacle of the medical profession and then the top echelons of our nation’s leadership, validates the values that form the core of my campaign.” Carson will be making a number of appearances throughout the district with candidate Reising. Trump’s cabinet member’s visit will culminate at a fundraiser for Reising in Springfield from 6:30pm to 8:00pm at the Crowne Plaza on June 1st.
According to Dianne Barghoutti-Hardwick, Sangamon County Republican Chairman, word of Dr. Carson’s visit has already been spreading across the community. “Dr. Carson drew the largest Lincoln Day dinner audience in the history of Sangamon County when he spoke here in 2016. Judging by the inquiries we have received already, the doctor still has a strong following in our community. We are honored that he will be joining us and Jesse Reising, candidate for congress in the 13th district that our local organization has enthusiastically endorsed in the Republican primary as by far the most qualified." Tickets for the fundraising event cost $75 per person, $125 per couple. A private reception is also planned. Tickets may be purchased at https://secure.winred.com/reising/carson06012252522.