(Highland, IL) — The turmoil within the Republican party that’s playing out in Washington is being echoed in Illinois. A primary challenge to GOP congressman John Shimkus is being mounted by state Senator Kyle McCarter. As he kicks off his campaign, McCarter says he’s more conservative than Shimkus and points to Shimkus’ vote for the temporary government funding bill that included money for Planned Parenthood. McCarter also says that after 20 years in Congress, Shimkus has become too aligned with the Washington establishment.