Bojovic suspends campaign, but 'won't go away'

Morris resident Bronco Bojovic has suspended his campaign for the 16th Congressional District.

Last week, Bojovic's mother suffered a massive heart attack and, therefore, his priority has become taking care of her and his elderly father.

"This whole chain of events has led to my decision to forgo the election," he said Monday.

"I really wanted to run, but due to the circumstances, I don't believe I would be able to focus 100 percent, which is what is required to beat an incumbent," Bojovic continued.

Bojovic previously filed documents with the Federal Elections Commission Jan. 5 to run as an Independent candidate against the winner of the March primary between incumbent Congressmen Don Manzullo and Adam Kinzinger, both Republicans.

"As a voter and as a resident, I truly believe in democracy," he said. "There is no Democratic candidate to challenge the incumbent, and I don't believe it's right."

Bojovic said he feels there is too much partisan happening in Washington D.C., in Springfield and locally. Because of this, the needs of the citizens are being pushed back because of it. This made him want to run as an Independent.

"Things need to change," he said. "Unfortunately, I'm not going to be that candidate. My father is 84-years-old. ... They have to be my priority. My parents come first."

But he won't be gone for long.

"I won't go away, it's something that is embedded in my DNA," Bojovic said. "I want the politicians to start listening to the average citizens out there."

Bojovic's mother remains in critical condition at MacNeal hospital in Berwyn, Ill.

Bojovic ran for the Grundy County Board in 2010, but also suspended his campaign then due to the illness of his father in-law, according to a press release he previously submitted. He served on numerous boards, including as an alderman in the northern suburbs.