Raymond Poe


Raymond Poe is an American politician. He is a former Republican member of the Illinois House of Representatives, representing the 99th district from 1995 until 2015. He served as the minority spokesman on the House Personnel and Pensions Committee. In November 2015, he resigned his seat after he was appointed Director of the Illinois Department of Agriculture. He retired as Director on December 31, 2018.

Career

Poe served as president of the Sangamon County farm Bureau Board. Poe was picked because he was a farmer unlike the previous director.
Raymond Poe was the first person to announce his candidacy for lieutenant governor in the 2006 race. However, the field got more crowded, with many candidates for Governor having picked running mates. He realized his chances of winning the Republican primary were slim. In December 2005, Illinois Senator Steve Rauschenberger ended his bid for Governor, choosing instead to run for Lieutenant Governor on a team with Ron Gidwitz, right after which Poe withdrew his candidacy to instead seek a 6th House term.
Poe was involved in many committees that supported agriculture such as Agriculture and Conservation as well as Higher education appropriations.
"Poe stayed very active in his profession, going to many fairs including the Illinois State fair"..
Poe received help with campaign finance from many different people. The top contributor to Poe's campaign was the Illinois Education Association. The Illinois beef association donated as well.