All corners of GOP applaud the selection of Don Tracy, leader of and major donor to the anti-progressive tax and numerous successful campaigns

Within hours of the announcement, the selection of downstate businessman and attorney Don Tracy as the new ILGOP Chairman was earning rave reviews from all corners of the party in Illinois as the right choice to unite Republicans. 

Congressman Rodney Davis (IL-13):

“My good friend Don Tracy will be a great Illinois Republican Party Chairman. He understands good policy and has been active in our Party for years. Don’s unifying leadership will lead our Party to victory against Pritzker and Madigan’s Democratic Party in 2022.”

Congressman Darin Lahood (IL-18):

“Don brings a tremendous skill set, passion and a thoughtful conservative approach to the job. I wish him much success and look forward to working with him to WIN in 2022!”

Congressman Mike Bost (IL-12):

“Illinoisans have had enough of the Democrats’ destructive policies in Springfield, and I know Don’s conservative leadership will help put the GOP on a path to help fix the many challenges our state faces. I am excited to work with Don and unite our party for victory in 2022!”

Not only does the Illinois Republican congressional delegation stand behind Don, State Reps. Brad Halbrook, Blaine Wilhour, Dan Caulkins, Chris Miller, and Adam Niemerg – members of the “Eastern Bloc” – released a statement saying in part, “Despite some news reports, Don Tracy is Chairman of the Illinois Republican party because several of the most conservative legislators in the state who represent the areas with the most weighted vote were involved and backed him…Make no mistake about it- the election of Don Tracy as State Party Chairman is a big win for conservatives.”

And new Senate Republican Leader Dan McConchie added, “I am confident that Don’s business and political experience will be of great value to our party as we begin to rebuild and grow the GOP in our state.”

These great legislators join House Minority Leader Jim Durkin, John Tillman of the Illinois Policy Institute, and Paul Caprio of Illinois Family-PAC – all three of whom submitted endorsement letters during the application process – in supporting Don Tracy as leader of the party. 

In addition to elected officials and party stakeholders voicing their support, Tracy is heralded as a major player in getting some big wins for Republicans in the last election here in Illinois. One such effort was toppling Governor JB Pritzker’s signature policy proposal, the so-called ‘Fair Tax.’

Jason Heffley, the Executive Director of the Coalition to the Stop the Tax Hike Amendment, explained, saying, “As a major donor to the cause, Don Tracy was instrumental in helping us bring our message of stopping Pritzker’s tax hike amendment to voters. And through his leadership and advocacy for Illinois taxpayers, he was also able to bring others on board our coalition.”

Chairman Tracy has also been a major bundler and financier for Congressmen Rodney Davis and Darin LaHood and was asked to join the Republican Governors Association in 2019 – a group that helped win 8 of 11 targeted Governor’s races in 2020. His success in helping winning candidates and causes is what led to his decision to run for Chairman.

Chairman Tracy was appreciative of the show of support: “I cannot thank everyone enough for the kind words. In my time being involved in winning some tough and important races for Republicans, a united team with everyone rowing in the same direction was absolutely crucial. So, it’s heartening to see my message of being a Chairman for ALL Republicans resonate so quickly. The opportunities before us in 2022 will require us standing together.”

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Springfield businessman and lawyer becomes the first downstate chairman since 1988

In December of 2020, outgoing Illinois Republican Party Chairman Tim Schneider announced a transition plan in which there would be an open and transparent process for the selection of a new chairman. Today, after lengthy interviews with the three finalists, spirited discussion, and a weighted vote amongst the ILGOP State Central Committee, Don Tracy of Springfield has been chosen as the next chairman of the Illinois Republican Party and has unanimous support from the committee.

Tim Schneider immediately offered his resignation, and Don Tracy accepted the role of chairman to fill the remainder of Schneider’s term until May 2022.

Chairman Don Tracy released the following statement in response to his selection:

“I am truly honored and excited to have been chosen by the State Central Committee to serve as Chairman of the Illinois Republican Party. I want to thank each member for the opportunity to serve. I promise to lead with honesty, integrity, and the vigor we need to turn Illinois around. I also want to thank the other two finalists – Mark Shaw and Scott Gryder – for their tireless work on behalf of the Republican Party. I look forward to working with them to elect more Republicans. 

I ran for this position because I love Illinois – it’s my home – and I believe the ILGOP can be a tremendous catalyst for change in this state. The upcoming election cycle can be monumental if we seize on the tremendous opportunities before us. We have a weakened Governor who can be defeated; we have a US Senate seat to win; we are well-positioned to win back Congressional seats; we can claw back seats in the state legislature if we recruit the right candidates; and lastly, we have an historic opportunity to elect a fourth Republican to the state Supreme Court for the first time ever.

The only way we can capitalize on these opportunities in 2022 is if we unite the party. My number one priority is to give every Republican a seat at the table and give every Republican a voice. Regardless of our differences, Republicans are the only hope for turning Illinois around and keeping it from becoming a depopulated, over-taxed, and anti-police financial basket case. There’s too much at stake in 2022 to be anything less than a united band of brothers and sisters in the fight to save Illinois.

So, whatever your political leanings, wherever you live – if you want to fight corruption, restore fiscal sanity, grow our economy, and stand for law and order – you’re on our team. It’s time to suit up, work together, and bring home some wins for the people of Illinois.”

Don Tracy is a successful businessman and lawyer from Springfield, Illinois. Born and raised in rural Mt. Sterling (Brown County, Illinois), he is the oldest of twelve children. Don and his eleven siblings own the thriving family business, Dot Foods, Inc., a national redistributor of food and related products, and other national businesses. Headquartered in Mt. Sterling (population: 2,025), Dot Foods, Inc. was founded in 1960 by Don’s father and currently employs 6,000 people across the United States and Canada.

Don is the first chairman of the Illinois Republican Party from outside Chicago and the collar counties since 1988.

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After a series of caucus votes, Illinois House Democrats have finally chosen Representative Chris Welch to be the next Speaker of the House. Illinois Republican Party Chairman Tim Schneider released the following statement in response:

“House Democrats have chosen to go from Mike Madigan, the most corrupt politician in America, to Rep. Chris Welch, a top Madigan lieutenant who has been credibly accused by multiple women in court documents of harassment, assault, and retaliation. 

It’s now clear that House Democrats are doubling down on allowing Madigan’s corrupt machine to continue running state government. In Madigan’s stead, they have promoted a serial harasser and assaulter of women. But in spite of that, Welch passed the most important test this fall – he’s been a loyal Madigan ally for years but performed most recently as Madigan’s human shield in legislative hearings investigating the sweeping corruption scandal that ultimately brought Madigan down. 

This decision is a travesty for the people of Illinois, and we will make sure every voter understands that House Democrats just can’t quit Madigan.” 

Welch a top Madigan Ally

FOX 32 Chicago…

“Madigan loyalist Rep. Welch a front-runner to replace longtime House speaker”

Rep. Welch is a Madigan Loyalist indeed. In just the most recent example, Welch headed up the House investigative committee formed last year to look into Mike Madigan’s role in the ComEd bribery scheme involving multiple Madigan lieutenants. The Chicago Sun-Times reported “[the] committee looking into Illinois House Speaker Michael Madigan’s dealings with ComEd did not find he did anything wrong in a vote that split along party lines, concluding its work after convening three times and hearing from one witness.”

You read that right. The committee met a total of three times and interviewed one witness. Welch performed his duty as a human shield for his boss Mike Madigan, refusing to subpoena the Speaker and allowing him to not testify. 

In the aftermath, Mark Brown of the Sun-Times wrote, “[a] trio of Illinois House Democrats dug in their heels, buried their heads firmly in the sand and did their best Tuesday to ignore a litany of damning evidence against House Speaker Michael Madigan.”

That trio of House Democrats was led by Rep. Chris Welch.

Alaina Hampton, former Madigan staffer who sued the Speaker for retaliation, said it best when she tweeted about the news of Welch’s ascension: “Madigan 2.0”

Welch Accused of Assault, Harassment, and Retaliation

If being a top Madigan loyalist wasn’t enough, Rep. Welch over the years has also been credibly accused in court documents of assault, harassment, and retaliation against women.

Chicago Tribune…

“A 2002 police report indicates that officers in west suburban Hillside were called to Welch’s home, where an ex-girlfriend told them that Welch slammed her head into a kitchen countertop numerous times after she called him “a loser.” The woman did not press charges after talking it over with a relative of Welch’s, the report states.”

“Welch also faced a 2010 federal lawsuit for sexual harassment and retaliation in which a different woman alleged she lost her job at Proviso Township High School District because she broke up with him while he was president of the school board.”

Hannah Meisel of NPR Illinois…

“Welch was also the subject of two harassment/retaliations suits, one the Trib details, but another that was filed pro se in 2011/terminated in 2012 from the former Dean of Students at Proviso West, who claims she was punished for not hugging him when he was School Board [President]”

Rep. Welch released a statement but did not deny the allegations.

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At today’s ILGOP State Central Committee meeting, Illinois Republican Party Chairman Tim Schneider announced that he would begin a transition out of his role as head of the state party and appoint a new committee within the ILGOP State Central Committee tasked with creating a process for selecting a new Chairman in the weeks to come. 

Schneider has released the following statement:

“It has been the honor of a lifetime to lead this party for the past six years. The Illinois Republican Party is an important force for change in a state that so desperately needs it. During my tenure, the ILGOP has stood for reform – term limits, fair maps, and the end to the rampant corruption plaguing our state. And we were united around our conservative values of smaller government, lower taxes, and personal responsibility.

In the 2020 election cycle, the Illinois Republican Party played important roles in defeating Pritzker’s progressive income tax hike, defending congressional target Congressman Rodney Davis, kicking Madigan’s favorite judge Tom Kilbride off the state Supreme Court, electing David Overstreet to the state Supreme Court, and netting a seat in the Illinois House. The Illinois Republican Party concludes the cycle more united, stronger, and well positioned to defeat the Pritzker-Madigan agenda in 2021.

I believe the ILGOP is in a great position to take this momentum and regain the Governor’s mansion, win a US Senate seat, win majority control of the Supreme Court for the first time, and put up a strong fight in other races up and down the ballot in 2022. 

So, after the successes in 2020 and with plenty of time to gear up for the next election, I have decided it’s the right time to begin the transition to a new Chairman early next year. The entire State Central Committee is committed to an open and transparent process to select the best person for the job.”

Chairman Schneider was unanimously elected Chairman of the Illinois Republican Party in May 2014. Schneider was re-elected to a second four-year term in May 2018. The term concludes in May 2022.

Chairman Schneider has selected the following State Central Committee members to serve on a committee that will recommend a process and timeline for choosing a successor Chairman at the party’s next meeting on January 9, 2021.

Mike Bigger – 18th Congressional District (Chairman)

Char Foss-Eggemann – 9th Congressional District

Fred Floreth – 13th Congressional District

Judy Diekelman – 2nd Congressional District

Schneider will serve as Chairman until the full State Central Committee chooses a successor Chairman. 

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After making the Quincy Veteran’s Home Legionnaires outbreak a centerpiece of his gubernatorial campaign, the Pritzker administration is found flat footed in LaSalle outbreak claiming 27 lives

Last week it was revealed that the LaSalle Veterans’ Home – owned and operated by the State of Illinois – has seen an unprecedented level of COVID-19 cases during the month of November, resulting in 27 deaths of veteran residents.

NPR…

“As Hannah Meisel of NPR Illinois points out, with the facility having housed 121 residents and 230 employees before the outbreak, that means more than 85% of the residents and more than 40% of the staff at LaSalle Veterans’ Home have tested positive for the virus. More than a fifth of the veterans staying at the facility have died of COVID-19.”

The recent outbreak of more than 200 positive cases has occurred just since the start of November. On Veterans Day, an astonishing 7 veterans of the home died.

The Illinois Senate Veterans Affairs committee held a hearing last week on the matter and State Senator Paul Schimpf (R-Waterloo) noted in The Southern Illinoisan some troubling findings: 

1. The IDPH did not make a site visit until November 12th, even though cases were skyrocketing by November 1st. 
2. Linda Chapa LaVia, the director of the Illinois Department of Veterans’ Affairs, did not personally discuss  this tragedy or the state’s response with Gov. J.B. Pritzker.
3. At least five staff at the LaSalle Veterans Home who had tested positive for COVID-19 were allowed to continue working at the facility.

In addition, it was also uncovered that a number of employees of the veteran’s home who eventually tested positive for COVID-19 attended a Halloween party together. This despite the Pritzker administration’s repeated warnings against group social settings.

Why did it take 11 days for Pritzker’s IDPH to make a site visit? By the time of the Senate hearing, why had the head of the Department of Veterans’ Affairs not personally spoken to Pritzker about this tragedy? Why were 5 COVID positive employees allowed to continue working at the facility? Why are state government employees attending outside social events together and transmitting COVID-19?

One would think Governor Pritzker would have a greater sense of urgency to address an outbreak of a deadly disease in a state-run veteran’s home given that such a scenario was a centerpiece of his gubernatorial campaign in attacking the record of his predecessor.

Let’s take a closer look at what Pritzker was saying and doing in 2018…

WGN – Son of dead Quincy veteran attacks Rauner in new Pritzker ad

“Since WBEZ first raised questions about the Rauner administration’s Quincy response last year, Democrat Pritzker has accused Gov. Bruce Rauner of fatal mismanagement. Now, with this statewide television buy, Pritzker continues to raise the issue in the campaign.”

WTTW – Final Debate for Rauner, Pritzker Takes Place in Quincy, Site of Legionnaires Outbreaks

“Actions were not taken immediately,” Pritkzer said. “And as a result of his failures and his fatal mismanagement, he’s now under a criminal probe, as is his administration. It’s a shameful neglect of our veterans, who we should be standing up for every single day.”

WBEZ – Rauner, Pritzker Debate Quincy ‘Cover-Up’ And ‘Toiletgate’

“He failed,” Pritzker said of Rauner. “For three years, he failed to protect them. Fourteen people died.”

It’s now November of 2020 and 27 Veterans – over 20% of the resident population – have died over the course of the last month at the LaSalle Veterans’ Home.

27 deaths.

11 days before an IDPH site visit took place.

5 employees testing positive for COVID allowed to work.

0 conversations between the IDVA Director and Governor Pritzker.

Pritzker and his administration must answer for their fatal mismanagement. 

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If being a giant hypocrite were an Olympic sport, Southern Illinois state Supreme Court candidate Judy Cates would be a gold medalist. Cates has staked her entire case for a spot on the state’s highest court to a disgusting smear of her opponent Justice David Overstreet. 

The Cates campaign and a Super PAC, both funded by metro east trial lawyers and Democrats, have relentlessly attacked Overstreet over a unanimous June 2020 appellate court decision. Judy Cates claimed that Overstreet freed from jail a child rapist who is now “wandering around Southern Illinois, free to rape again.” 

Judy Cates is a liar. Read what Justice Milton Wharton, an African American Democrat, and author of the opinion in this case, had to say about Judge Judy’s smear. 

And in a last gasp of desperation, her Super PAC is now sending around these alarming texts to voters:

The link sends people to their campaign website against Overstreet. Appalling.

What is more appalling, however, is that when almost the exact same legal scenario played out four years prior, Cates also joined her colleagues in a decision that remanded a child sexual assault case back to trial court.

The Madison-Record reports…

But court records show that four years ago Cates, as appellate court justice in the same court where Overstreet serves, made a very similar concurrence in the case of a Bethalto man.

[…]

In a Nov. 22, 2016 opinion, Cates concurred with a majority to reverse the first conviction of Michael Burgund, who upon second trial was convicted of sexually assaulting his two minor daughters between the ages of one and three. 

The appellate court decision that Cates concurred in, like the one Overstreet concurred in, remanded the case back to the trial court for a second trial. The second Burgund trial took place a year and a half later, in Madison County.

Yes, you are reading this right. Judy Cates and her SuperPAC have spent millions of dollars on TV and in mailboxes spreading the disgusting lie that Overstreet “released” a child “molester” as an “unregistered sex offender” into our communities. 

If that were remotely true, Judy Cates would be guilty of doing the exact same thing 4 years earlier.

“Judy Cates is unfit for the Supreme Court. She has shown time and time again that she will say or do anything to win this campaign. Not only is she a smear merchant trafficking in disgusting lies, Judy Cates is a world class hypocrite.” – ILGOP Chairman Tim Schneider

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Democrat Politicians Who Created $8 Billion Deficit Haven’t Met a Tax Hike They Didn’t Like

The very same Democratic Politicians who created the massive $8 billion deficit are making one final push for their ultimate goal of getting unyielding power to tax middle-class families, small businesses, and retirees. 

The team, led by ultimate tax raising coach J.B. Pritzker, consists of some of the most ardent tax hikers in Illinois. From Toni Preckwinkle, who flipped and gave Cook County the largest sales tax in the country to Illinois’ two U.S. Senators who are always more than willing to advocate for higher taxes on Illinois families.

Curiously missing from tonight’s Tax Hike Team webinar is General Manager, all around shot caller and retirement tax hiker, Speaker Mike Madigan. 

Another tax hiker sidelined from tonight’s event is Treasurer Michael “let’s tax retirement income” Frerichs. Clearly, Frerichs was benched for being too honest with voters when he admitted the Tax Hike Amendment would allow Springfield Politicians to raise taxes on retirement income. 

“These Democrat politicians are the very same people who have plunged Illinois into an $8 billion deficit. Now they want new unyielding taxing powers so they can go after middle-class families next,” said ILGOP Chairman Tim Schneider. “They know this is the worst possible time to raise taxes, but clearly nothing will stop them from trying to get new taxing powers.”

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ILGOP Handing Out Voter Fraud Alert Fliers in DuPage County

WATCH: Video of Electronic Voting Machine “Glitch” 

The Illinois Republican Party has learned of potential voter fraud in DuPage County that has been occurring for more than a week.

 Several voters have reported that while reading the questions on the screen of the electronic voting machines at early voting locations in DuPage County, after 10 seconds, the machine will automatically highlight Mike Madigan endorsed candidates and the Tax Hike Amendment in red.

 “This is an outrageous abuse of our voting system and must be quickly remedied. Speaker Madigan and the Democrats will stop at nothing to enact higher taxes on our middle class families and retirees,” said Tim Schneider, ILGOP Chairman. “Illinois GOP volunteers will be handing out fliers in DuPage County to voters alerting them of this clear abuse of our election system.”

 “This serious issue needs to be immediately corrected before it further impacts the election. We continue to see more and more proof as to just how far Democrats are willing to go to rig this election,” said House Republican Leader Jim Durkin.

WATCH: Video of Electronic Voting Machine “Glitch”

FLIER BEING HANDED OUT IN DUPAGE COUNTY:

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With respected leaders like Ray LaHood, Jim Nowlan, and the people of the 3rd Judicial District fighting Mike Madigan’s control of the Illinois Supreme Court, Justice Tom Kilbride’s likelihood of retention is in serious jeopardy. This isn’t the state Supreme Court Justice’s first rodeo, however. He knows who can save his job with millions in campaign cash.

Illinois Republican Party Chairman Tim Schneider explained, “Justice Kilbride owes his entire judicial career to one man: Speaker Mike Madigan. Kilbride’s seat on the Supreme Court is in jeopardy again, so it’s no surprise that Madigan’s special interest trial lawyer and union allies have already funneled millions to save Madigan’s favorite judge for a third time. Kilbride accepted millions of dollars directly from Madigan-controlled committees in previous campaigns; will Madigan rescue him again?”

Justice Kilbride is so essential to Madigan’s control over state government that the Chicago Sun Times declared in 2010: “The speaker’s greatest victory, arguably, is the retention of Supreme Court Justice Thomas Kilbride.” (Editorial, “Mr. Speaker, you’ve got work to do,” Chicago Sun-Times, Nov. 7, 2010)

Similarly, the Chicago Tribune specifically said “Madigan elected Illinois Supreme Court Chief Justice Thomas Kilbride, despite a stop-Kilbride campaign, as the speaker prepares that new political map.” (Editorial, “Mike Madigan wins big,” Chicago Tribune, Nov. 4, 2010)

Since 2000, the Madigan-controlled Democratic Party of Illinois has given Kilbride’s campaign $2,162,989 (Illinois State Board of Elections, Accessed 10/10/20)

It’s hard to see Madigan allowing his favorite judge on the state’s highest court go down without a fight after investing in Kilbride so heavily in his 2000 campaign and 2010 retention race. Will he step in a third time?

2000 Campaign

CHICAGO TRIBUNE: “Kilbride Won Election In 2000 After Enjoying The Financial Support Of House Speaker Michael Madigan, Whose Campaign Funds Contributed Hundreds Of Thousands Of Dollars.” (Ray Gibson, “High Court Is In The Game,” Chicago Tribune, 12/14/08)

CHICAGO TRIBUNE: “…Justice Thomas Kilbride, whose 20-year labor practice in Rock Island was 150 miles from Chicago politics, was first elected to the Supreme Court with the blessing and support of longtime House Speaker Michael Madigan of Chicago, the head of the state Democratic Party. Madigan funneled more than $700,000 in campaign funds to help Kilbride defeat his Republican opponent in 2000.” (Rick Pearson and David Kidwell, “Specter Of Politics Hangs Over Ruling,” Chicago Tribune, 1/27/11)

CRAIN’S CHICAGO BUSINESS: Kilbride Won In 2000 “Because Of Hundreds Of Thousands Of Dollars In Late Campaign Contributions From Illinois House Speaker Mike Madigan.” (Greg Hinz, “Buying Justice,” Crain’s Chicago Business, 10/18/10)

2010 Retention Campaign

CHICAGO TRIBUNE: In 2010, Kilbride “Raised A Whopping $2.48 Million To Save His Job” From “The Same Sources That Funded His 2000 Campaign: House Speaker Michael Madigan And Organized Labor.” (Editorial, “Kilbride And Madigan,” Chicago Tribune, 10/27/10)

CHICAGO TRIBUNE: “When Kilbride won a district long held by Republicans in 2000, he did it with an influx of hundreds of thousands of dollars that Madigan poured into the race. When Republican-allied business interests tried to deny Kilbride’s bid to win another 10-year term in 2010, Madigan again came through with money and troops.” (Ray Long and Monique Garcia, “Lawmakers May Punt On Pensions,” Chicago Tribune, 6/19/13)

CHICAGO TRIBUNE: “The Madigan-controlled Democratic Party of Illinois has kicked in $1.42 million. The Illinois Federation of Teachers has given more than $454,000 in cash and in-kind contributions, according to the Illinois Campaign for Political Reform.” (Editorial, “Kilbride And Madigan,” Chicago Tribune, 10/27/10)

Madigan & Kilbride Connection Round-up

NEWS-GAZETTE EDITORIAL: Kilbride “Owes His Judicial Seat To The Support Of Speaker Madigan.” (Editorial, “Madigan Minions Wear Black Robes,” The News-Gazette, 2/7/18)

THE DAILY GAZETTE EDITORIAL:  “Kilbride Owes His Election In 2000, In No Small Part, To A $600,000 Campaign Contribution By Democratic House Speaker Michael Madigan Of Chicago.” (Editorial, “New Chief Justice Should Allow Cameras In Court,” The Daily Gazette, 9/18/10)

CHICAGO TRIBUNE EDITORIAL: “Why Was The Chicago Democratic Speaker So Interested In A Central Illinois Court Race? Consider It A $500,000 Insurance Policy, If You Will.” (Editorial, “It’s Remap Time — Grab Your Hat,” Chicago Tribune, 9/5/01)

CHICAGO TRIBUNE EDITORIAL: “Why Would Madigan Put So Much Money In A Judicial Election When He’s Also Trying To Save His Members In The House? Precisely Because He Wants To Save His Members In The House — For The Next Decade.” (Editorial, “Kilbride And Madigan,” Chicago Tribune, 10/27/10)

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