Parker says, "They can't make me quit."
By: WMBD/WYZZ TV News Staff
Updated: March 2, 2009
RNS (Peoria) -- One of the two men running for Peoria mayor cannot hold the office because of his criminal past, but says he intends to stay on the ballot.
General Parker is refusing calls for him to get out of the race.
Parker served time back in the 1980's for stealing a car, and his felony record disqualifies him from office in Illinois.
Peoria County State's Attorney Kevin Lyons has sent Parker a letter explaining the law, but Parker says he won't get off the ballot.
Parker says "They can't make me quit, they can't make me get off the ballot.
I'm not quitting the people.
Never have, never will. As long as they want me to continue fighting for them, that is what I'll do." Officials in Peoria say if Parker does not stop his campaign he could face a lawsuit and an eventual court order to drop out of the race.
Parker is running against incumbent Mayor Jim Ardis, who would be the only candidate on the April 7th ballot if Parker is removed from the race.
General Parker is refusing calls for him to get out of the race.
Parker served time back in the 1980's for stealing a car, and his felony record disqualifies him from office in Illinois.
Peoria County State's Attorney Kevin Lyons has sent Parker a letter explaining the law, but Parker says he won't get off the ballot.
Parker says "They can't make me quit, they can't make me get off the ballot.
I'm not quitting the people.
Never have, never will. As long as they want me to continue fighting for them, that is what I'll do." Officials in Peoria say if Parker does not stop his campaign he could face a lawsuit and an eventual court order to drop out of the race.
Parker is running against incumbent Mayor Jim Ardis, who would be the only candidate on the April 7th ballot if Parker is removed from the race.
