Category: Post

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Bidenflation Threatens to Crush Banking Sector

The recent bailout of Silicon Valley Bank and purchase of Credit Suisse have exposed the significant challenges that financial institutions face in today’s economic climate. President Biden’s 2021 $1.9 trillion stimulus spending created Bidenflation, leaving policymakers with an unenviable choice between an upward price spiral that hurts American consumers or raising interest rates that could put the banking sector at risk.

“Trillions in spending and special giveaways deemed unnecessary and inflationary by Obama-era economists are the root cause of Bidenflation,” Chairman Don Tracydeclared. “Furthermore, the regulators tasked with ensuring that banks like Silicon Valley Bank were appropriately capitalized fell asleep at the wheel.”

Credit Suisse’s recent struggles highlight the vulnerability of large financial institutions in today’s economic environment and emphasize the potential risks of the Federal Reserve’s continued efforts to curb Bidenflation.

“To reverse the current trends, President Biden and his Democrat allies in Congress must be held accountable for the high-debt, high-spending environment that led to the crisis,”Chairman Tracy said. “Otherwise, our banking sector and the US economy will remain under threat.”

It is critical to recognize and address these challenges to protect the financial industry’s stability and ensure long-term sustainability. 

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Biden Bank Run: President Biden and the Democrats caused the collapse of Silicon Valley Bank and Signature Bank

The excessive spending and inflation caused by the Biden administration’s policies have made the basic necessities of life more expensive for families in Illinois and across the country. The negative impact of Bidenflation doesn’t end with higher prices. 

“This inflation has led directly to rising interest rates, and the collapse of Silicon Valley Bank and Signature Bank,” said Chairman Don Tracy. “Bidenflation doesn’t just hurt families by increasing the cost of everything, but undermines banks and businesses by depressing the value of certain assets they hold.”

Tracy explained that rising interest rates undermined the value of Silicon Valley Bank bond holdings making many tech startup businesses concerned they wouldn’t have access to their deposits to make payroll. This fear, driven by underlying inflation, caused the run on Silicon Valley Bank. 

“It’s crucial for Americans to recognize that the collapses of Silicon Valley Bank and Signature Bank didn’t happen by chance,” Tracy added. “Biden and the Democrats’ excessive and irresponsible spending binge of borrowed money will have a disastrous impact on the economy that we are only beginning to experience.”

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Myles Nelson Selected to Serve as State Central Committeeman for the 13th District

On Saturday the County Chairmen representing the 7 counties of the 13th Congressional district selected Myles Nelson to serve out the remainder of outgoing Committeeman Tim Butler’s four-year term on the ILGOP State Central Committee.

“We’re very excited about the leadership Myles will bring to the State Central Committee. He is a passionate and talented young man, who will be a key voice in shaping the future direction of our party as we work to take back control of our state from JB Pritzker and the Democrats. Myles has some big shoes to fill, but his track record of local leadership and conservative values distinguished him for this position,” said Illinois Republican Party Chairman Don Tracy. 

Myles Nelson lives in Collinsville and is an alumnus of Southern Illinois University Edwardsville. Myles is a member of the Madison County Farm Bureau, Illinois State Rifle Association, and the National Rifle Association. He currently serves as the Campaign Manager for United States Congressman Mike Bost in Illinois’ 12th Congressional District. Myles will be an active Committeeman and keep an open line of communication with Republicans in the 13th Congressional District while upholding our conservative values at the State Party level.

The State Central Committee is the governing body of the Illinois Republican Party. Each Congressional district elects one member, and vacancies are filled by the county chairmen of their district, whose votes are weighted proportional to their primary vote share. Myles is replacing outgoing State Central Committeeman and Former State Representative Tim Butler who recently resigned from his post.

“I thank Former Representative Butler for his many years of public service. He served his constituents with exemplary passion and distinction in the State Legislature and served our Party on the State Central Committee with equal vigor,” said Illinois Republican Party Chairman Don Tracy. “Though we’re sorry to see him go, we are confident that his seat on our committee is in good hands with Myles Nelson, and we wish Representative Butler well in his new endeavors.”

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Don Tracy: To Defeat Joe Biden in 2024, Ronna McDaniel is the Best Person to Lead the RNC

The RNC Winter Meeting just concluded in Southern California. The final and most important agenda matter was the election of the RNC Chair. There were three candidates for the position – incumbent Ronna McDaniel, election attorney Harmeet Dhillon and My Pillow founder, Mike Lindell. Ronna was elected by a vote of 111 for her, 51 for Harmeet, and 4 for Mike.

During the campaign of almost three months, I received many emails from good Republicans, to vote for change just for the sake of change. Though these good Republicans share the same frustration as myself and the other members of “the 168” – the Governing body of the RNC – at last November’s results, I proudly cast my vote for Chairwoman McDaniel for a 4th term as RNC chair to lead our party forward.

Sometimes the best leadership is a steady hand, and Chairwoman McDaniel has been that steady hand. She has been Chair of the Republican National Committee for nearly six years now, or three election cycles. Her critics charge her with three successive election losses, but those claims are as misleading as they are misplaced.

I call Ronna an infrastructure leader because that is what the RNC is, a political infrastructure support system. By next week, I will have served as Illinois State Chairman for two years. During that time, I have had an inside view of the great work Ronna has done on national Republican infrastructure and how much it has improved under her watch.

No one has worked harder to build up the RNC’s infrastructure as Chairwoman McDaniel – and it has borne fruit. In the face of strong headwinds in 2020, the Chairwoman’s leadership was instrumental in helping us pickup several house seats in tough districts that Republicans lost in 2018. Without these pickups, we would not have secured a house majority in 2022 and finally taken the Speaker’s gavel from Nancy Pelosi.  

The RNC’s State Party Strategies staff provided parties like mine with significant support through the GROW Program. This infrastructure has gone to fund GOTV efforts, digital advertising, direct voter contact, and other vital resources that we need to reach Republican voters. These efforts were not always available in the past.

Ronna has been a leader on Election Integrity. For nearly 40 years, the RNC was barred from engaging in any election integrity activities by a consent decree. Ronna led the effort to have the consent decree lifted a few years ago, and the RNC has now made election integrity a major focus of the organization. In fact, during the midterm elections, the RNC recruited and trained 80,000 poll watchers and poll workers who were spread throughout the country at polling locations.

They provided resources that allowed us to fight voter integrity issues in some of our bigger counties. The RNC provided vital access to reporting systems which allowed us to more efficiently track election issues and irregularities across the state during early voting and on Election Day. The RNC has consistently provided field data and support through the Advantage mobile app and GOP Data Center – to train and channel our grassroots energy into action.

Under Chairwoman McDaniel’s leadership the RNC has also made great inroads into minority communities in major population centers in Florida, New York, Texas, and Orange County, California. The fruits of these endeavors might not be immediately noticeable, but I assure you, they will pay dividends during future Elections as new voters join our great party.

I have also had the opportunity to meet Harmeet Dhillon, who I believe to be a very smart, capable, articulate and strong leader – as well as a tremendous asset for our party. Having met Harmeet, I can understand why so many proudly support her. Both of these women are impressive and a credit to the Republican Party. If Harmeet had been elected RNC Chair, she would have had my total support, as we work to grow the Republican Party in Illinois and defeat Joe Biden in 2024. 

However, Harmeet did not have any equivalent experience running an organization that’s close to the size and scope of the RNC. Further, Harmeet alleged that the RNC is a hotbed of corruption being bled by consultants and scammers — that the RNC is actually the reason we are losing races we hope to win. If that were true, then maybe something as drastic as a total, from zero, restart of the RNC might make some sense. We absolutely must root out any corruption at the RNC, but so far, none of the claims of wrongdoing have panned out. In my experience with the RNC, I simply haven’t seen evidence of the kind of corruption or mismanagement that Harmeet alleged. Further, far from the outsider that she has been branded to be, Harmeet has been an active member of the RNC, having done paid legal work on several occasions.

Ronna entered the job with an already exemplary resume that she has since built upon. She has had the experience of running a state party and of course running the RNC. Her creative and determined leadership of the Michigan Republican Party is a reason Donald Trump won in 2016, and she has set records for fundraising and support of state parties as RNC chairman.

The bottom line is that Ronna McDaniel has done an excellent job in every element of what an RNC Chairman is supposed to do in an environment that has been uniquely challenging. She’s a proven grass-roots leader with a solid plan for the next two years. 

To all of my fellow Conservative Republicans who might have been disappointed in the outcome of Friday’s vote – I share your frustrations with where we stand today. But we must expand on the good work that Chairwoman McDaniel has done at the RNC and build off of the infrastructure she has built – not tear it down. Most importantly, let’s all now come together and work together to elect a Republican Senate, expand our new House majority, and most importantly defeat Joe Biden in 2024.

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Back the Badge – Sign the Petition!

Senate Amendment #2 to HB 3653 has passed both chambers of the General Assembly and now sits on the desk of Governor Pritzker. The safety of our communities and the future of police work in Illinois rests in the hands of JB Pritzker.

This “police reform” bill makes proactive policing a crime, severely restricts police departments, stands on the side of criminals, and ultimately – makes our communities less safe.

Follow the steps below to help us demand the Governor VETO this horrendous bill:

  1. SIGN the petition below.
  2. SHARE the petition with friends and family.
  3. CONTACT the Governor’s office.

Governor’s Office Contact:

Springfield Office
Phone: 217-782-6830 or 217-782-6831

Chicago Office
Phone: 312-814-2121 or 312-814-2122

What does this bill do?

  • Eliminates Cash Bail
  • Enacts multiple benefits for felons
  • Limits Officer’s rights to Collectively Bargain, creating a “special class” of public employee who does not have these rights in Illinois
  • Prohibits use of force in almost all situations, and makes officers criminally liable for virtually any use of force
  • Removes prohibitions against obstructing police officers
  • Charges officers with Official Misconduct, a class 3 felony, for banal and incidental issues
  • It Eliminates impartial arbitration over burdensome residency requirements
  • Allows for unrestricted and ungoverned disciplinary policies of law enforcement officers
  • Prohibits departments from taking advantage of cost-saving federal surplus programs
  • Allows officers to be punished or fired based on anonymous and unsubstantiated or unverifiable complaints
  • Mandates that those unsubstantiated and unverified complaints be kept to be used against officers forever, with no destruction and no limits on how they can be utilized to inflict harm on officers
  • Substantially increases both initial and ongoing education requirements with no money to pay for the increased costs and no assurances that the courses will even be offered
  • Mandates the use of body cameras by all departments for every officer with no money to pay for the cost of those cameras

Source: Illinois Fraternal Order of Police

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Vote NO on Kilbride Coalition Announced

Grassroots coalition announced in opposition to the retention of IL Supreme Court Justice Thomas Kilbride

Hundreds of grassroots leaders urge the rejection of Madigan’s Favorite Judge

Today, the Illinois Republican Party is proud to announce the formation of the Vote NO on Kilbride grassroots coalition. The coalition is made up of more than 500 elected officials, community leaders, and activists from across the 3rd Judicial District who publicly urge a NO vote on the retention campaign of Madigan’s Favorite Judge, Supreme Court Justice Thomas Kilbride.

“I’m honored to be joined by so many leaders and reformers in calling for an independent state Supreme Court where the people of Illinois have a fair shake. Right now, they don’t. Justice Kilbride is a wholly owned subsidiary of the Madigan Machine. After receiving $2.8 million in campaign cash from Mike Madigan, Justice Kilbride delivered results that were great for the Speaker’s pursuit of power and disastrous for the taxpayers of Illinois. That’s why Kilbride is Madigan’s favorite judge and why he must be defeated in November.” – ILGOP Chairman Tim Schneider

Justice Kilbride’s Illinois Supreme Court under Madigan’s control has blocked every major economic reform that could improve the state’s legal and business climates – namely pension reform, tort reform, and medical malpractice caps. Time and again, Kilbride has sided with government insiders and special interests over taxpayers, leading to higher taxes and more corruption.

And the biggest payoff for Madigan’s $2.8 million investment in Kilbride’s judicial career has been weaponizing the Supreme Court to block any challenge to his political power. Kilbride successfully blocked term limits in 2014. In 2001, Kilbride was the deciding vote to uphold Madigan’s gerrymandered map, and in 2016, Kilbride wrote the majority opinion striking down the citizen-led ballot (“Fair Maps”) initiative that would have given voters a say in redistricting and taken the power away from Madigan to draw gerrymandered maps. 

Justice Kilbride is Madigan’s Favorite Judge because the judge has been one of the Speaker’s greatest instruments for amassing and maintaining his immense power in state government and politics. 

Coalition Members

Illinois Republican Congressmen

Adam Kinzinger, IL-16 Congressman

Darin LaHood, IL-18 Congressman

Mike Bost, IL-12 Congressman

Rodney Davis, IL-13 Congressman

John Shimkus, IL-15 Congressman

Statewide Leaders

Jim Durkin, House Minority Leader

Bill Brady, Senate Minority Leader

Tim Schneider, ILGOP Chairman

Richard Porter, RNC National Committeeman

Demetra Demonte, RNC National Committeewoman

Mark Shaw, ILGOP Co-Chair & President of Republican County Chairman’s Association

3rd Judicial District Legislators

Neil Anderson, 36th State Senate

Chuck Weaver, 37th State Senate 

Sue Rezin, 38th State Senate

John Curran, 41st State Senate

Jil Tracy, 47th State Senate

Jason Barickman, 53rd State Senate

Margo McDermed, 37th State Representative

Grant Wehrli, 41st State Representative

Tony McCombie, 71st State Representative

Ryan Spain, 73rd State Representative

Dan Swanson, 74th State Representative

David Welter, 75th State Representative

Tim Butler, 87th State Representative

Keith Sommer, 88th State Representative

Tom Demmer, 90th State Representative

Norine Hammond, 93rd State Representative

Mark Batinick, 97th State Representative

Thomas Bennett, 106th State Representative

3rd Judicial District Elected Officials, Leaders, and Activists

Bureau County

Barry Welbers, Bureau County GOP Chairman

Sandy Hoos, Activist

Sue Pratt, Activist

Nina Urbanowski, Activist

Elizabeth Novotney, Activist

George Wilhelmsen, Activist

Fulton County

John Spangler, Fulton County GOP Chairman

Kaity Spangler, Activist

Grundy County

Aren Hansen, Grundy County GOP Chairman

Ken Briley, Grundy County Sheriff

Eric Rasmussen, Grundy County Board Member

Greg Ridenour, Grundy County Board Member

Michael Mattingly, Former Grundy County GOP Chairman

Drew Muffler, Grundy County Board Member

Linda Filippelli, Activist

Joseph Schiavone, Activist

Laura Schiavone, Activist

Vic Elias, Activist

Gerry Von Qualen, Activist

Bruce Limbach, Activist

Cindy Limbach, Activist

Gary Lowery, Activist

Scott Doorn, Activist

Alice Svenson, Activist

Michelle Campbell, Activist

Jana Trofinchuck, Activist

Matt Trofinchuck, Activist

James Riley, Activist

John Peacock, Activist

Matt Meier, Activist

David Stephenson, Activist

Rob Hoge, Activist

Chris Brown, Activist

Carl Grudici, Activist

Deanna Trotter, Activist

Peter Trotter, Activist

Ellen Hanson, Activist

John Hanson, Activist

Josh Harris, Activist

Gordon Chesharen, Activist

Hancock County

Kathy Sparrow, Hancock County GOP Chairman

Mary Ruth Phillips, Hancock County GOP Secretary

Jennifer Allen, Activist

George Armilda, Activist

Scott Bentzinger, Activist

Cathy Bergmeier, Activist

Randy Bergmeier, Activist

Michael Boley, Activist

Joe Clarke, Activist

Pat Cramer, Activist

Donna Cramer, Activist

Richard Ellefritz, Activist

Greg Gronewold, Activist

Scott Hall, Activist

Walter Sellens, Activist

Rodney Sparrow, Activist

Greg Ufkes, Activist

Mary Ann Powell-Wintjen, Activist

Henderson County

Jon Riley, Henderson County GOP Chairman

Bill Knupp, Former Henderson County GOP Chairman

Colby Hathaway, State’s Attorney

Kim Gullberg, Activist

Susan Higgins, Activist

Phil Butler, Activist

Byron Sparrow, Activist

Johnny Johnson, Activist

Jeff Stanton, Activist

Kevin Geary, Activist

Larry Moreland, Activist

Edith Ray, Activist

Janet Lee Stubbs, Activist

Gus Hart, Activist

Henry County

Jan Weber, Henry County GOP Chairwoman & State Central Committeeman

Allen Anderson, Activist

William Bordwell, Activist

Phyllis Cole, Activist

Natalie Collins, Activist

Dave Dobbel, Activist

Ray Elliott, Activist

Dave Holmes, Activist

Bob Kuhns, Activist

Barb Kuhns, Activist

Beverly Lewis, Activist

Kathy Nelson, Activist

Gary Pinger, Activist

Lynn Sutton, Activist

Arnold Taube, Activist

Thomas Taylor, Activist

Bob Wachtel, Activist

Alan Yager, Activist

James Yerkey, Activist

Mary Yerkey, Activist

Jon Zahm, Activist

Nicolay Pam, Activist

Iroquois County

Susan Wynn Bence, Former President of Illinois Federation of Republican Women

Lyle Behrends, Iroquois County GOP Chairman

John Shure, Iroquois County Board Chairman

Barbara Offill, Iroquois County Board Member

Charles Alt, Iroquois County Board Member

Mitchell Bence, Activist

Jody Munsterman, Activist

Bill Milan, Activist

Kate Peters, Activist

Kankakee County

Bruce Clark, Former Kankakee County Clerk

Wanda Cantrell, Former Kankakee County GOP Chairwoman

Jayne Raef, President of the Illinois Federation of Republican Women

Colton Ekhoff, Kankakee County Board Member

John Fetherling, Kankakee County Board Member

Jeff Keast, Former Kankakee County GOP Chairman

Karl Kruse, Former Kankakee County Board Chairman

Stephen Liehr, Kankakee County Board Member

Tinker Parker, Kankakee County Board Member

Darrell Smith, Kankakee County Board Member

Dave West, Kankakee Township Assessor

Justin Krolik, Activist

Alicia Parkinson, Activist

Timmy Pawula, Activist

Cody Reinbold, Activist

Dana Van Voorst, Activist

Mike Zenz, Activist

Rita Zenz, Activist

Dale Strough, Activist

Knox County

Derrick Appell, Altona Village President

Harry Bulkeley, Retired Circuit Judge

Fred McGunnigal, Activist

Mary McGunnigal, Activist

Thomas Schmidt, Activist

Dick Cocklin, Activist

Chuck Armstrong, Activist

LaSalle County

Larry Smith, LaSalle County GOP Chairman

Carla Mathis, Activist

Archie Boe, Activist

Ray Gatza, Activist

Elizabeth Bishop, Activist

Karl Potlinger, Activist

Lorelei Wisbrock, Activist

Thomas Kreiger, Activist

DeLisa Leonard, Activist

Margie Kreier, Activist

Bill Brown, Activist

Barb  Brown, Activist

Todd Volken, Activist

Marsha Atchison, Activist

Dave Dziedzic, Activist

Julie Dziedzic, Activist

Carina Blood, Activist

Chris Blood, Activist

Eric Soderholm, Activist

Michelle Soderholm, Activist

John Leininger, Activist

Jerry Owens, Activist

Joe Zeman, Activist

Steve Tuftie, Activist

Curt Faber, Activist

Chuck Borchsenius, Activist

Martin Rue, Activist

Stephanie Thompson, Activist

Steve Aubry, Activist

Jake Aubry, Activist

Andy Bacidore, Activist

Michael Lewandowski, Activist

Eliza Leonard, Activist

Mary Nevins, Activist

Steve Atchison, Activist

Angelo Flamingo, Activist

Denetta Flamingo, Activist

Lloyd Chapman, Activist

Bernie Jenkins, Activist

Beth Findley, Activist

Larry Langston, Activist

Carol Taylor, Activist

Karen Donnelly, Activist

Alex Adkins, Activist

Marshall County

Charles Owens, Marshall County GOP Chairman

Mike Mendola, Former Marshall County GOP Chairman

Matt Weber, Activist

Ed Stunkel, Activist

Charlene Nauman, Activist

Kent Flanigan, Activist

Marty McLaughlin, Activist

Lydia Pelphrey, Activist

McDonough County

Mary Brookhart, McDonough County GOP Chairman

Gwynne Worthington, Activist

Leonard Hammond, Activist

George Dranes, Activist

Nicholas Petitgout, Sheriff

Jerry Riggins, Activist

Dan O’Neill, Activist

Judy Bedwell, Activist

Rex Bedwell, Activist

Kenneth Standard, Activist

Todd Hamilton, Activist

Cindy Moon, Activist

Janet Dixon, Activist

Lois McClintock, Activist

Ken  McClintock, Activist

Robert Balimann, Activist

Megan Pittner, Activist

John McLaughlin, Activist

Ian Fischer, Activist

Mercer County

Barbara Chiles, Mercer County GOP Chairman

Buck Rind, Activist

Greg Larson, Activist

Jen Russell, Activist

JoAnne Nelson, Activist

Michael Zecher, Activist

Peoria County

Ray LaHood, Former U.S. Secretary of Transportation & Former Congressman

Janis Straesser, President of the Peoria County Republican Women

Rick Cloyd, Former Peoria County GOP Chairman

Carol Hornickle, Former Peoria County GOP Chairman

Win Stoller, State Senate Candidate

Larry Baer, Activist

Kate Bean, Activist

Tony Bonefede, Activist

Karen Disharoon, Activist

Mary Alice Erickson, Activist

Scott Friesth, Activist

Nick Hornickle, Activist

Trent Keeling, Activist

Julie Kotewa, Activist

Laura Machetti, Activist

William (Bill) Mahl, Activist

Thorn McClellan Smith, Activist

Mary Anna Meyer, Activist

Summer Pappan, Activist

John Sahn, Activist

Bernadette Shekleton, Activist

Julie Sorce, Activist

Cynthia Steinwedel, Activist

Mary Sundermayer, Activist

Scott Szmania, Activist

Putnam County

Jaye Debates, Putnam County GOP Chairman

Sue Lanzotti, Activist

Rock Island County

Esther Joy King, Candidate for Congress

Drue Mielke, RI County GOP Chairman and County Board Member

Bill Bloom, Former RI County GOP Chairman

Mike Steffen, Former RI County GOP Chairman

Janice Aguirre, Activist

Louis Alongi, Activist

Lucy Armstrong, Activist

Jack Boccarossa, Activist

Victoria Boldt, Activist

Alfred Bradley, Activist

Chris Browne, Activist

Brad Carroll, Activist

Russell Christ, Activist

Roxanne Croegaert, Activist

Nancy Devriese, Activist

Jaclyn Dooley, Activist

Jim Drish, Activist

Debbie Drish, Activist

Arlis Enburg, Activist

Dennis English, Activist

Glen Evans, Activist

Henry From, Activist

Robert Gochee, Activist

Robert Hartley, Activist

Sharon Heinze, Activist

Peggy Huffstutter, Activist

Willard James, Activist

Donald William Johnson, Activist

Shelva King, Activist

William Kirkham, Activist

Treyton Lamphier, Activist

Bill Long, Activist

Albert Long, Activist

Viva Long, Activist

Janet Long, Activist

Marlene Mohr, Activist

Richard Phillis, Activist

Rebecca Prettyman, Activist

Dan Rasmussen, Activist

Jeffrey Rice, Activist

Thomas Romano, Activist

Betty Schmidt, Activist

Emmy Sharaan, Activist

Rodney Simmer, Activist

Barry Spera, Activist

Marian Stallings, Activist

Robert Steinman, Activist

Kathleen Tucker, Activist

Bob Westefahl, Activist

Stark County

Mike Bigger, Stark County GOP Chairman & State Central Committeeman

Steven Sloan, Stark County Sheriff

Jim Nowlan, Former State Representative

Thomas Howes, Activist

Lee Hager, Activist

Melissa Shipp, Activist

Tim McMillen, Activist

Al Curry, Activist

Mike Rumbold, Activist

Tazewell County

Jim Rule, Tazewell County GOP Chairman

Mary Burress, Tazewell County Treasurer & State Senate Candidate

Dave Zimmerman, Tazewell County Board Chairman

Wayne Altpeter, Tazewell County Board Member

Virgil Cihla, Activist

Malcolm Kinsinger, Activist

Craig Friend, Activist

Tim Latronico, Activist

Kathryn Yontz, Activist

Loni Smith, Activist

Kristie Bailey, Activist

Marc Bailey, Activist

Barbara Smith, Activist

Michael Smith, Activist

David Allen, Activist

Lynda Sharp-Lower, Activist

Chad Bell, Activist

Dennis Koch, Activist

Marilynn Gunn, Activist

Eugenia Dennis, Activist

Roberta Keyser, Activist

Norm Sales, Activist

Jeff Lower, Tazewell County Sheriff

Stephanie Altpeter, Activist

Kim Allen, Activist

Hollie Hanley, Activist

Preston Hanley, Activist

Charles Hanley, Activist

Jane Hoffmire, Activist

Casey Hoffmire, Activist

Diane Hahn, Activist

Carol Baker, Activist

Michelene Koch, Activist

M. Shemansky, Activist

R. Shemansky, Activist

John Baer, Activist

Pat Schmillen, Activist

Mike Brenkman, Activist

John Gilligan, Activist

Marilyn Florie, Activist

Christine Martha, Activist

Judy Getz, Activist

Charles Broy, Activist

Warren County

Cory Burgland, Warren County GOP Chairman

Andy Doyle, Warren County State’s Attorney

Ken McMillan, Former State Senator

Wendell Shauman, Activist

Marcus Doyle, Activist

Marti Edwards, Activist

Daniel Cox, Activist

Dainita Ornery, Activist

Donna Scott, Activist

Ralph Whiteman, Activist

Stan Jenks, Activist

Sean Cavanaugh, Activist

Phil McVey, Activist

Albert Algren, Activist

Gina Long, Activist

Pete Loomis, Activist

Whiteside County

Kurt Glazier, Whiteside County GOP Chairman

George Thompson, Whiteside County Board Member

Marci Bohnert, Activist

Kristopher Schmidt, Activist

Rod Copeland, Activist

Connie Landheer, Activist

Will County

George Pearson, Will County GOP Chairman

Roger Claar, Former Mayor of Bolingbrook

Steve Balich, Will County Board Member

Julie Berkowicz, Will County Board Member

Gretchen Fritz, Will County Board Member

Tim Kraulidis, Will County Board Member

Tom Weigel, Will County Board Member

Cornel Darden, Will County Young Republicans Chair

Ben Bierly, Jackson Township Republican Chair

Peter Delaney, Lockport Township Republican Chairman

Marianne DeMeritt, Former Will County GOP Chairman

Edward Ronkowski, Former Will County GOP Chairman

Ryan Hagen, Frankfort Township Republican Chairman

Tuck Marshall, Manhattan Township Republican Chairman

Stacy Mazurek, Washington Township Republican Chairman

Natalie Murawski, Peotone Township Republican Chairman

Frankie Pretzel, New Lenox Township Republican Chairman

Tim Ozinga, Candidate for State Representative

Michelle Smith, Deputy State Central Committeewoman CD 11

Linda Adamowski, Activist

Kevin Ade, Activist

Katherine Anderson, Activist

Donna Antolik, Activist

Ray Antolik, Activist

Leon Ausec, Activist

Kevin Baer, Activist

Alyssia Benford, Activist

Marty Boban, Activist

Brandi Bouton, Activist

Brian Bouton, Activist

Maureen Broderik, Activist

Kris Budz, Activist

Larry Camis, Activist

Carissa Catellier, Activist

J Catellier, Activist

Kristine Chronister, Activist

Tyler Clausen, Activist

Jennifer Consolino, Activist

Monica Cruz, Activist

Danielle Custardo, Activist

Anthony Cyranek, Activist

Frank D’Ambrosio, Activist

Dawn Damiani, Activist

Patty Deiters, Activist

Barb Delaney, Activist

JT DiGiovanni, Activist

Suzanne Doll, Activist

Laura Dominick, Activist

Megan Dominick, Activist

Tim Dominick, Activist

Nick  Ficarello, Activist

Doug Finnegan, Activist

Kevin Flesch, Activist

Barbara Fletcher, Activist

Dale Fontana, Activist

Jessica Frankowski, Activist

Steve Friant, Activist

Carolynn Gallman, Activist

Tracie  Gambino , Activist

Dave Guzak, Activist

Mike Guzak, Activist

William Harkins, Activist

Leon Hart, Activist

Barbara Healy, Activist

Barbara Hermanowicz, Activist

Gerald Hickey, Activist

KyreaKoula Hilliard, Activist

Kathy Hilton, Activist

Camille Holcombe, Activist

Jason Hudson, Activist

Kevin Hurtubise, Activist

Donald Ibarra, Activist

Dianna Ingram, Activist

Joel Johnston, Activist

Philip Juarez, Activist

Barbara Kaupas, Activist

Richard Kavanaugh, Activist

Joe Kearn, Activist

Keifer Keigher, Activist

Tom Kelly, Activist

Jackie Keltner, Activist

Steve Kent, Activist

Chris Kosel, Activist

Debbie Kraulidis, Activist

Stacie Kreag, Activist

Cindy Laha, Activist

Bruce Lahia, Activist

Renee Langeloh, Activist

Dale Larson, Activist

Lori Lindberg, Activist

Christopher Matthew, Activist

Dave Maxwell, Activist

Tom McCullagh, Activist

James McDonald, Activist

Christine McGovern, Activist

Tina McGrath, Activist

John McNellis, Activist

Mary McNellis, Activist

Dennis McPartlin, Activist

Dave Medema, Activist

Laura Mesich, Activist

Donna Migliorese, Activist

Kathy Moretti, Activist

Mark Munizzo, Activist

Zyan Navarra, Activist

Jennifer Paganessi, Activist

Bill Passaglia , Activist

Porter Phil, Activist

Dave Podzory, Activist

Heather Polante, Activist

Hal Prohaska, Activist

Jonnie Prohaska, Activist

Nick Raineri, Activist

Jodie Randall, Activist

Leon Rasec, Activist

Mary Beth Regan, Activist

Nora Regan , Activist

Mark Revis, Activist

Curt Riemer, Activist

Eric Roche, Activist

Julie Rogus, Activist

Diana Rolley, Activist

Kevin Rolley, Activist

Sarah Rusin, Activist

Nicole Sanders, Activist

Victor Santana, Activist

Megan Saverino, Activist

Peter Saverino, Activist

Sara Schmidt, Activist

Allie Settle, Activist

Janette Shiperak, Activist

Lynn Simmons, Activist

Russ Simmons, Activist

Mike Smith, Activist

Diane Soderborg, Activist

Steve Soderborg, Activist

Dee Soderstrom , Activist

Susan Stompanato, Activist

Renata Spina, Activist

Grant Spooner, Activist

Kristen Steeves, Activist

Cyndy Stevens, Activist

Cathy Stochi, Activist

John Stochi, Activist

Chris Stompanato, Activist

Scott Strache, Activist

Lindsey Sykora, Activist

Linda Tomnitz, Activist

Daniel Tylka, Activist

Andy Usowski, Activist

Larry Vacala, Activist

Krystyna Vela, Activist

Francis Volpe, Activist

Kandy Waldie, Activist

Jennifer Warner, Activist

Douglas Webb, Activist

Judy Wooten, Activist

Tina Wortmann, Activist

Tom Wortmann, Activist

Kim Yeoung, Activist

Victor Zack, Activist

###

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An Open Letter to IL Grassroots Republicans

Friends, I write to you today to help make sure our minds are focused and our energy is channeled towards positive change for the state of Illinois during the home stretch of the 2020 campaign season. Our state is in serious trouble. Has been for quite some time. But like you, I choose to stay and fight because this is my home and I won’t abandon it. Your dedication to a better Illinois inspires me everyday. 

We owe it to ourselves and future generations to make sure we do everything in our power to move the needle towards reform – towards sanity – on election day this year.

And we DO have the power.

I get messages sent to me and I see comments on social media posts everyday from angry Illinoisans who simply want to know what they can do to stop the madness. They wonder how they can make an impact to move Illinois from financial ruin, never-ending population loss, and massive government overreach to an Illinois on the side of the taxpayer, affordable to raise a family, and safe from those who seek to destroy. 

Not having an answer to that question, many angry Illinoisans turn to social media as the extent of their involvement in fighting for change. Unfortunately however, I would argue that individuals have largely sorted themselves out ideologically on social media into different spheres of influence, thus lessening it’s impact for political transformation. Put another way, every meme or complaint you post about the Governor is largely seen by people who already agree with you. 

Are undecided or swing voters – people we need on our side in blue tinted Illinois – being swayed by your newsfeed on Facebook? Probably not…no offense.

And herein lies the hard truth of this. There is no silver bullet, no magic wand to waive, and yes, no court case that will save our state from Mike Madigan and JB Pritzker’s destruction. There is only one method to fixing Illinois: electing reform-minded Republicans, and defeating Democrats at the state level.

And what does it take to elect Republicans and defeat Democrats? I won’t lie – it takes a lot of hard work. It takes an army of patriots willing to engage in street level campaign voter contact such as making phone calls or knocking on doors. It takes some generous individuals willing to send in a check to their candidates of choice. Whether it’s $5 or $500, everything adds up.

We will never change Illinois if we do not channel our collective anger and energy towards productive means. For example, which do you think makes a bigger electoral impact? Arguing with your ill-informed uncle or socialist co-worker online over politics or spending an hour on the phone talking to 20 undecided voters? I know the answer and I think you do too.

Making sure your efforts are productive also means making sure they are targeted for maximum impact. With that, the Illinois Republican Party is excited to roll-out a program called “Races to Watch” to answer that question we started with: what can the average person do to make a difference?

The candidates within the Races to Watch program represent the most competitive contests in the state – both challengers who have a good chance to knock off a Democrat and incumbent Republicans who face well funded opponents in swing districts. In order to push back against Madigan and Pritzker’s control, we must keep the Republican legislative seats we have and eat into their majorities by defeating incumbent Democrats. These races will all be decided by low single digit margins and they need your help.

I’ll say it again, Races to Watch is your tool to maximize your efforts for change this fall and defeat Democrats. I encourage you to check it out by clicking the link below and signing-up TODAY to make some calls, knock on doors and/or donate a few bucks.

All of your help is much appreciated by myself and the candidates who need you.

Sincerely,

Tim Scheider

ILGOP Chairman

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An Open Letter to the Chicago Press Corps

It’s been one week since the ground shook across the State of Illinois when the United States Attorney for the Northern District told us what we had long guessed but didn’t know with certainty: Speaker Michael Madigan is “Public Official A” in a massive federal investigation looking into multiple allegations of bribery and fraud.

More than a decade ago, when we learned that Rod Blagojevich was “Public Official A,” the Chicago press corps was relentless.  Former Gov. Blagojevich could barely get through a press conference without being asked about the federal investigation.  When investigative reporters broke new details, reporters on the governor’s daily beat hammered him with questions.  We recall with fondness a pack of reporters even once chasing the governor down the street, screaming questions as the governor ran away.

But for some reason, a decade later, Mike Madigan and JB Pritzker get a different standard.  We understand that Mr. Madigan does not hold press conferences.  But Mr. Pritzker does – almost daily. 

Mr. Pritzker is the chief executive of our state.  He is a political ally of Mike Madigan who has invested millions of dollars in Madigan-controlled campaign funds.  He is the highest-ranking Democrat in a party that Madigan chairs. He has appointed people to his administration at Madigan’s request and with ongoing close ties and loyalty to Madigan. He negotiates with Madigan for the passage of legislation and for how to spend taxpayer funds. He has called on others to resign at the same stage of an investigation that Madigan now faces.  He has a constitutional duty to protect the people of Illinois from corruption.

This week, we learned more details about the federal investigation into “Public Official A.”  We learned more about subpoenas issued to companies beyond ComEd. We learned more about a Pritzker appointee close to Madigan and a target of the federal investigation who helped ComEd cover up the death and injury of cable line workers.  We also learned more about a separate federal investigation into property tax fraud and how that investigation is looking at more Pritzker-connected properties than previously known. 

Investigative reporters at the Chicago Tribune, Chicago Sun-Times, WBEZ and Crain’s are doing their jobs.  But when their stories hit the wire and the Governor held his daily press briefings, Chicago area reporters asked Pritzker a total of zero questions.  They let Pritzker change the subject to anything but Madigan and his own property taxes.  They looked like a different press corps than the one we remembered.

Take this example.  The Governor has said that Madigan should resign if the allegations against him are true.  No one in Chicago asked him why that standard is different from the one he applied to Marty Sandoval.  No one asked him to react to a Democratic state senator who called for the resignation immediately.  No one asked him what allegations he thinks aren’t true.  No one asked him when they would be “true” – after the next big news story, after another Madigan ally gets indicted, only when Madigan gets indicted or only when Madigan gets convicted.

Another example.  Pritzker visited Central Illinois this week where he did face questions on Madigan.  In Peoria, he bungled a question on whether he still considers Madigan a political ally.  Pritzker came back to Chicago and received zero follow-ups all week.  Reporters let him off the hook.

We’ve heard the conventional wisdom in Illinois for a long time.  Mike Madigan is Teflon.  The feds will never get him.  Other people might plead guilty but they don’t have evidence on him.  Why ask questions about this if it costs us our access?

It’s time to wake up and smell the federal investigation.  Madigan is now Public Official A.  People are talking.  The net is widening.  The people of Illinois need a press corps that will hold their leaders accountable. 

Sincerely,
ILGOP

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Democrat Legislator Contact Info – CALL TO ACTION!

This week during veto session, there is movement amongst General Assembly Democrats to go after the Parental Notification Law (PNA) for minors seeking abortions. If repealed, minors could receive an abortion without their parents being notified. Please notify Democrat legislators and let them know that you oppose repeal of PNA!

Instructions:

  • Copy and Paste email columns in order to send mass emails.
  • If you choose to make phone calls, please prioritize the target legislators (highlighted in yellow).

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Pritzker’s Reopening Plan is a Trojan Horse

The following are thoughts provided by ILGOP Chairman, Tim Schneider:

For the past few weeks, the Illinois Republican Party has led the call for Governor Pritzker to provide a responsible reopening plan for Illinois based on a regional approach. Last week, the Governor finally unveiled his “Restore Illinois” plan which splits up the state into 4 regions and allows for each to gradually open in five phases on their own timeline as they meet certain benchmarks monitored by the state’s Department of Public Health. 

On its face, this seems like an encouraging development. After weeks of ignoring the call for a regional approach in line with other large states like New York and Pennsylvania, Pritzker has finally rejected his one-size-fits-all Chicago-centric response to this extraordinary crisis. 

But alas, we shouldn’t be so excited. Beyond the clever marketing and promises of a regional appeal, Pritzker’s reopening plan is nothing more than a trojan horse for an Illinois economy under indefinite restrictions and ‘we the people’ governed by executive branch fiat. 

The plan includes arbitrary and unexplained benchmark timelines, start dates, and a nonsensical progression of business openings. The plan also contains no oversight or accountability as the Governor and Democrat legislative leaders refuse to hold public hearings on the reopen plan, so lawmakers can have their constituents voices heard and consulted. With this plan, Illinois is essentially ruled unilaterally by one man for the foreseeable future.

Let’s talk about timelines. All other states and the federal government have published reopening plans that utilize the CDC recommended 14-day period between reopening phases. Inexplicably, Illinois doubles that standard to 28 days with the clock starting on May 1st. 

Because all regions of Illinois are currently in Phase 2, the earliest a mom-and-pop restaurant could open their doors or the soonest a working mother can have her child in daycare is July 1st (Phase 4). Even if not one new COVID-19 case in a particular region is reported ever again, there can be no weddings or sporting events with over 50 people in attendance until we have a vaccine (Phase 5). Say goodbye to high school football and friday nights at the bingo hall for months, or even years.

Perhaps worst of all, Pritzker continues to pick winners and losers during this economic crisis based on his political whims and alleged yet unexplained scientific data. Pot shops and liquor stores have been open indefinitely for months with lines out the door, but a local bar cannot open until July 1st at the very earliest. Illinoisans can go to Walmart to buy furniture, clothing, or sporting supplies right now, but they can’t peruse the locally-owned furniture store, retailer, or sporting goods store for another six weeks. 

Pritzker’s phases also don’t line up with reality. Where will the manufacturers and hairdressers opened in Phase 3 take their kids when childcare facilities and summer school programs are shut down until Phase 4?

The idea of a regional approach advocated for by Republican leaders was to offer the ability for lesser populated areas of the state like downstate regions of Illinois to have a different plan than Chicago. Instead, the Pritzker plan uses the idea of splitting up Illinois into four regions as cover for putting in place onerous standards and benchmark timelines that, regardless of region, will mean Illinois is economically hobbled for several more months at the earliest.

Illinois was facing a slew of challenges even before the global pandemic – busted budgets, hundreds of millions in unfunded liabilities, and taxpayers fleeing the state in droves. An economic meltdown the size of which we are currently experiencing is the last thing we needed. But the plan put forward by the Governor will make the suffering needlessly worse. 

In two months, an Illinois drowning under abnormally onerous standards and benchmark criteria while all of our neighboring states have their economies up and running is a catastrophe we cannot afford to let happen.

Governor Pritzker should dismantle his trojan horse and go back to the drawing board.