A Mike Bost versus Darren Bailey contest in next year's Congressional primary will be expensive and closely watched, according to one political expert.
John Jackson with SIU's Paul Simon Public Policy Institute says typically in a race like this, the advantage would go to the incumbent - Mike Bost.
But in the current political climate, he says both Bost and Bailey will be courting conservative voters, many of whom are looking for an outsider rather than a sitting lawmaker.
"These are two wings of the current Republican party in this state, and that's going to be a test of who's really stronger at the grassroots, and who's got the party organization behind them. And all of that's going to be wrapped up in what I think will be maybe the most interesting congressional race in this state."
Jackson says he expects massive amounts of money to be raised and spent in the two campaigns, as well - both from inside and outside the Republican Party.
Bost has held the 12th Congressional District since 2015, while Bailey is a former State Senator and GOP Gubernatorial Nominee.
LISTEN: You can hear John Jackson in a special segment with Jennifer Fuller here.
