SIDNEY — An incumbent for the House of Representative’s 85th District is voicing his displeasure at not receiving an endorsement by the Shelby County Republican Central Committee.

“Last night (Monday, Feb. 8) I attended the endorsement event held by the Shelby County Republican Party,” said Nino Vitale in a press release. “There were 14 members present and two-thirds of the board’s vote was needed for endorsement.”

Shelby County Republican Central Committee Executive Chairman Julie Ehemann said the committee didn’t endorse Vitale because he didn’t receive the required two-thirds vote of the committee.

Vitale outlined what he told the committee, which included points about the federal government, education, Obamacare, keeping families together, union dues, immigration, naturalization and deportation, Islam’s threat to Judeo-Christian ethics and system of self-government and restrictions on starting or running a business.

“This board chose not to endorse me,” he said in his press release. “I believe these are the dominant values of the voters of Shelby County and I will continue to fight for them in government. These values also line up with the Republican Party platform. What values does this board stand for and do they represent the people of Shelby County?”

Vitale said voters could send their comments to him at [email protected].

Vitalie represents Champaign, Logan and Shelby counties.