Macon Reporter

Marsha Webb, a GOP candidate for House District 107 from Macon, is taking a stand in support of farmer’s land rights, declaring her opposition to eminent domain and further regulations on agricultural land.

She vows to protect farmers’ rights to make decisions about their own properties, echoing concerns raised in 2022 when Governor J.B. Pritzker faced criticism for supporting eminent domain provisions.

“I stand for farmer’s land rights,” Webb said on Facebook.

“There should not be any eminent domain. There should not be any further regulations or restrictions on our farmers. They know best how to protect and tend their farms. They have a right to say if they want CO2 sequestration, solar panels, windmills, electric distribution lines/towers, etc on their farm ground. I will fight to protect the farmer’s land rights, just as I would fight for your private home property rights.”

In 2022, Gov. J.B. Pritzker faced criticism over his support for eminent domain to take land away from farmers. He backed provisions in a state law allowing a private company to use eminent domain for a transmission line.

Pritzker has expressed support for the Grain Belt Express project, an 800-mile endeavor originating from Kansas wind farms, with a 200-mile primary route and an alternative route under consideration for Illinois. According to the Pritzker-backed Climate and Equitable Jobs Act, if a “qualifying direct current project” traversing Pike, Scott, Greene, Macoupin, Montgomery, Christian, Shelby, Cumberland, and Clark counties demonstrates its purpose as designed to deliver electricity it may be utilized “for public use.”

In a 2022 gubernatorial debate, Pritzker declined to acknowledge his error regarding opponent Darren Bailey’s claim about eminent domain provisions in the Climate and Equitable Jobs Act, according to Capitol Fax. Bailey had raised concerns about the Act’s impact on eminent domain, with Pritzker initially dismissing those concerns, but later, it was revealed that the Act did grant certain powers related to eminent domain.

“I am a life long Illinois resident and community leader. I am a former first responder of 37 years. I am a township trustee and set on a county board of health. I am a solid conservative who will uphold the US and Illinois Constitutions. I believe in the inalienable rights of life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness,” Webb said on a candidate questionnaire for Ballotpedia.

House District 107 includes Shelby, Christian, Moultrie, Effingham, Macon, Montgomery, and Cumberland counties. It is currently represented by State Rep. Brad Halbrook (R-Shelbyville).