Illinois GOP convention, day 2

Posted by Kerry Lester on Sat, 06/09/2012 - 13:15

Happy Saturday, all.

Highlights of day two of the Illinois GOP Convention in Tinley Park so far:

*Delegate numbers have been finalized, and at-large delegates have been elected for the national convention. Those at-large delegates include Republican House Leader Tom Cross, of Oswego, former governors Jim Edgar and James R. Thompson, House Speaker Denny Hastert, of Plano, and state Comptroller Judy Baar Topinka.

*Demetra Demonte of downstate Pekin and former Illinois GOP Chair Rich Williamson of Kenilworth have been elected as national committeewoman, and committeeman, respectively.

*Illinois GOP Chairman Pat Brady, of St. Charles, has touted the highlights of the Illinois Victory Program, the state party's strategic election plan recently revamped by U.S. Sen. Mark Kirk.

*Cross stresses a need for pickup of at least 6 state House and 6 state Senate seats.

*Peoria Congressman Aaron Schock stressed that this year's election is "second only" in importance to 1979. Elections, Schock says, are costly, but so is bad government.

*State Rep. Mike Bost, who made international news with his recent House floor rant against Democratic Speaker Michael Madigan, recieved a standing ovation after video of the episode was shown. Bost, of downstate Murphysboro, advises attendees to elect REpublicans to remove Madigan from power.

*Congressman Randy Hultgren of Winfield, a day after speaking at the Conservative Political Action Conference in Rosemont, says Republicans have "the story, the candidates, and the will to win" - a sure recipe for success.

Yesterday, Illinois Republicans blocked a move to have their leaders elected directly by voters.

(Democrats, on the other hand, have for years allowed voters to pick their state central committee members.)

Comments ()

We are now using Facebook comments to offer a more inclusive, social and constructive discussion. Guidelines: Keep it civil and on topic; no profanity, vulgarity, slurs or personal attacks. People who harass others or joke about tragedies will be blocked. If a comment violates these standards or our or terms of service, click the X in the upper right corner of the comment box. To find our more, read our FAQ.