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The 2008 IL GOP Platform -- part 1 EATON: No, we don't have the platform. At least not one I've seen yet. It's three weeks until the June 6 state convention in Decatur, and as a delegate from Bremen Township, what I will be asked to vote on matters to me. One thing I'll be asked to do is accept or reject the 2008 IL GOP Platform. So, I began reviewing our 2004 IL GOP Platform, and began remembering what a chaos the process was that year. I observed as a reporter, and it was crazy. The members of the platform committee didn't know what was being proposed, and only the chairman, now-Metro East Judge Steve McGlynn, knew what was going on. Everyone else was in the dark until just days before the convention. By then, it was too late for concerned platform committee members to do other than accept the proposed wording. This year we're hearing the platform committee members are being kept in the dark about the rewriting process again. The party has had four years to prepare for this convention, so there isn't much of an excuse for the up until now lack of communication -- unless the intent is to limit discussion once again. I've been told that in the past there was a concerted effort among IL GOP staffers to keep convention delegates and platform committee members in the dark about the platform so as to keep discussion, debate and "divisiveness" from edging its way into IL GOP's Big Tent. The platform is the IL GOP's foundation. It's important what we believe, what we're going to stand for, and what we propose for the future. It certainly matters to me as a delegate what I will be identifying publicly with -- and its important that I - and every other convention delegate - know what we're voting on in plenty of time before June 6th. The state party asked this week for proposed changes to the platform. Let's discuss it here over the next few days, starting with Page 1. What would you change in this first section? Please comment on this section only under this post. We'll get to the others, too. We promise. 
What does gay marriage ruling mean for Illinois? REYNOLDS & COLINDRES: At least two opponents of Harris’ legislation said they don’t think the California court decision will help him garner extra “yes” votes. The bill would need 60 votes to advance to the Senate. “He’s nowhere near coming up with enough votes on that,” said Rep. David Reis, R-Willow Hill, who has proposed a state constitutional amendment that would recognize marriage only as a union between one man and one woman. “I just don’t think the will of the people is here in Illinois to do something that radical.” Reis said the California decision marks “a sad day for traditional family values.”Ralph Rivera, a lobbyist for the Illinois Family Institute, thinks the California ruling will hurt Harris’ effort to legalize civil unions. That’s because the court decision will underscore opponents’ view that the civil-union concept really is same-sex marriage in disguise, Rivera said.
Audit points out "appalling" problems with Medicaid bills KEITH: "You ought to make sure that we have a system that actually works before you put more money into it and you try to expand it further," said Sen. Chris Lauzen, R-Aurora.
McKenna: Time for change in Illinois The people of Illinois have endured failed leadership at the very top of their government for nearly a decade. They trusted their leaders, and that trust has been violated time and again. Last summer, the Republican Party went around the state to listen to voters. One idea we kept hearing: a recall amendment to keep political leaders honest. Out of those talks, some legislators started to seriously consider the idea. As the Antoin "Tony" Rezko trial revealed more allegations of deep corruption in Gov. Rod Blagojevich's administration, we heard voters demanding the ability to recall public officials who violate the public trust. Unfortunately, not all legislators listened. Senate Democrats protected Blagojevich by killing any chance of putting a recall amendment on the November ballot. They chose Blagojevich over the people. And then to cap the day, Senate President Emil Jones, who led the fight against a recall amendment, declared he needed a pay raise. This is the attitude voters seek to change in Springfield—an attitude of arrogance and entitlement, an attitude that ignores the wishes of the people, that protects a culture of corruption. Six years ago, Illinois voters threw Republicans out of office in response to their failed leadership, arrogance and inability to listen to the wishes of the people. We were rightfully held accountable. We listened. When the votes were tallied in the Senate, one group stood together in support of the recall amendment: Republicans. Republicans believe it is time for ethics reform and a recall amendment. We believe it is time for tax and spending reform and greater transparency in government. We believe it is time for change in Illinois.
Obama hugs LaHood MCDONALD: Presidential candidate Barack Obama made an unannounced visit to the U.S. House of Representatives last week in the hunt for super delegates. A New York Times blog reported that he shook hands and doled out hugs, including one to our own U.S. Rep. Ray LaHood. "As Mr. Obama made his way back down the center aisle, Representative Ray H. LaHood, Republican of Illinois, who is retiring after his seventh term, gave chase, and grabbed Mr. Obama's arm. The senator turned and gave Mr. LaHood a hug," it read. LaHood won the election as a delegate to the Republican National Convention as a backer of U.S. Sen. John McCain. "Obama, I think, took everybody by surprise by coming on the House floor. No one knew he was coming. I told him 'I'm not a super delegate, but I want to congratulate you on your campaign,'" LaHood said. LaHood called the appearance "a stroke of political genius." "He has a way of really - and I think it's very genuine - meeting people and talking to people," LaHood said. Calling Obama a "rock star" in the Democratic party, LaHood said he considers him a friend. Obama asked LaHood about his future plans. Then he told him something like if he's elected president, LaHood would be at the top of his "Republican list" for something. Editor's Note -- VERY SAD: LaHood chases Obama, LaHood grabs Obama's arm, Obama hugs LaHood, LaHood praises Obama, Obama says that if he is elected president, LaHood would be at the top of his "Republican list" for something
Rauschenberger Running for RNC Former State Sen. Steve Rauschenberger, a lobbyist working for Rod Blagojevich's largest campaign fundraiser, wants to be Illinois next Republican National Committeeman. From an email he sent to County Republican Chairmen: On June 6-7, we Illinois Republicans will gather at the state convention in Decatur and choose our next Republican National Committeeman. I'm emailing you because I've been approached by some Party leaders and queried about submitting my name as a candidate for the post. However, before I did that, I wanted to seek your counsel and input. It's my understanding that there are several fine individuals who are potential nominees; and I hope to support whoever our new National Committeeman may be. Like the others, I would be willing and honored to serve. But only if you and my fellow Republicans determine that I'm the best choice. After fifteen years in the State Senate, I believe my record has probably been pretty well vetted and is certainly well known. My approach to public and Party service has always been to solve problems, and to work with (and unite) Republicans, while advancing the principles of smaller government, lower taxes, individual freedom, and traditional values. Since leaving the State Senate last year, I've become an Illinois small businessman, and am working hard to lower our unemployment rate and increase our tax base. But, I've not retired from our Party or its activities! I've continued to work hard and invest in building and strengthening the Illinois GOP. Among other things, I'm currently serving as President of the United Republican Fund, which has been actively working with party organizations in recruiting, training and funding state-level GOP candidates in preparation for this November. As you and I are painfully well aware, our Party is facing some challenging times. We Republicans must work together and find solutions. Our state, our Party, our communities and our kids deserve no less. On that we can all agree. Fact is Illinois' next Republican National Committeeman will have a tall job ahead of him. If chosen, I cannot promise success. But I can promise that I would represent the Illinois Republican Party with the dedication, integrity, hard work and professionalism that it deserves. Therefore, I'd very much appreciate your thoughtful consideration of my possible candidacy; and your candid advice and feedback as to whether I should run. Please feel free to contact me at any time. Thank you for your service and potential support. Steven J. Rauschenberger, Rauschenberger Partners, LLC551 Tollgate Road, Ste B, Elgin, IL 60123 E-Mail: senator@srauschenberger.com (I've removed his phone numbers, as he included his home number and I didn't want to publish it without permission.) For some reason, even though some Illinois conservatives think Rauschenberger is some sort of Republican ideal, I think replacing Bob Kjellander with Steve Rauschenberger as Committeeman would be like making no change at all.
Illinois' Republican National Committeeman EATON: Retiring Congressman Ray LaHood (R-18) won't be slipping into the IL GOP's National Committeeman position without some competition. At least three others are rumored to be interested in the spot: DuPage County Board Chairman Bob Schillerstrom, former State Senator Steve Rauschenberger, and Chicago attorney Pat Brady. Rauschenberger advised State Central Committeemen this weekend of his interest in the spot. Four years ago at the 2004 IL GOP state convention, Rauschenberger alone challenged current National Committeeman Bob Kjellander, but Kjellander emerged the choice from the convention's nominating committee. LaHood announced his desire for the spot several weeks ago, and Schillerstrom and Pat Brady have been quietly working behind the scenes. Schillerstrom faces an uphill battle, however, as he was a force behind the vote to raise state taxes to fund the Regional Transportation Authority's coffers. With the votes of DuPage senators -- Kirk Dillard, John Millner and Dan Cronin -- several challenged Democratic senators were given a pass on voting to raise taxes. LaHood, Rauschenberger, Schillerstrom, and Brady -- the competition for the national committeeman spot will, at the very least, boost interest and anticipation in the coming statewide meeting of Republicans the first weekend in June in downstate Decatur.
Illinois GOP needs an extreme makeover SENATOR LAUZEN: Grassroots Republicans have an opportunity at the state convention to reform then rebuild our party from the ground up. We need to stop practicing this learned helplessness. So, how do we make things better? First, sign up as a delegate to personally participate in the solution. Call my office at (630) 264-2419 if you need my help. Second, return power over Republican Party leaders to the people. I passed SB600 unanimously out of the Senate two years ago that would have restored the same authority Democrats currently enjoy and Republicans used to enjoy to directly elect our state central committeemen, the equivalent of the Illinois Republican Party's Board of Directors. But party leaders who protect their status quo thwarted our common-sense reform in the House and subsequent efforts. We cannot invite our neighbors and friends to help us rebuild the organization if we do not demonstrate our respect for their opinion by giving them a voice with a vote for leadership. Next, scrub ourselves clean of the potential for humiliation and corruption by prohibiting paid lobbyists from being party leaders for any role beyond precinct committeemen. It is a double-dealing conflict of interest for a paid lobbyist to choose between the special interest of his client or the general welfare of the party. Then, insert a by-laws provision, as other state parties have done, that requires ouster from leadership for endorsing or financially contributing to the opposing party. Individuals can do whatever they decide is in their own self-interest, but elected leaders' actions are constrained to loyally serve the party. Party leaders and elected officials should not make endorsements in primaries. Let the people who participate in partisan primaries decide who they prefer, then party officials and influential members can support those whom the people have chosen for the general election. Save their strength and avoid bad blood. Finally, recognize that our standard first principles of honest, competent public service are to always tell the truth, scrupulously keep commitments and build rather than destroy.
Race for Hastert's Seat: Ask Jack Ryan and Blair Hull if Divorce Court Records Will Hurt One's Election Chances As Democrats continue to salivate over the possibility this year of picking up several more House seats, a recent poll in the 14th Congressional race to replace former House Speaker Dennis Hastert showed Dem. Bill Foster with a slight lead over GOP candidate, Dairy magnate Jim Oberweis; a bit shocking because in normal elections years the 14th has always been a strong GOP district. The good news for the GOP? The next poll might have different results for Dem. Bill Foster. See the following report just out: . . . according to Illinois court records obtained by the Majority Accountability Project (www.majorityap.com), the Foster’s were far from being “on good terms” during their testy divorce proceedings. In fact, in a motion filed in Circuit Court in Kane County, his then-wife Ann claimed Foster “pushed, shoved and caused physical abuse and emotional harm…putting her in fear for herself (and the couple’s) minor children.” Ann Foster asked the court to remove her husband from the home they shared, and that the court “issue a temporary restraining order against (Bill Foster) from calling, harassing or touching (Ann Foster).” Flash back to 2004: For the Democrats; super-wealthy Blair Hull was the front-runner in the Dem. Primary UNTIL, his divorce court records were made public. He was ahead in all the polls until those records were released. His campaign then took a nose-dive. The winner of the Democratic Primary: little known newcomer; Barack Obama. Flash back again to 2004; For the Republicans; super-wealthy GOP Primary winner, Jack Ryan, was told by his attorney that his divorce court records WOULD NEVER be released to the public ; and shortly thereafter, his court records were released and showed sordid allegations by his soon-to-be ex-wife. Ryan resigned from the US Senate race. The GOP, in their infinite wisdom that year, brought in Alan Keyes to fill Ryan’s vacated spot. His Democrat opponent? Barack Obama. The rest is history. Editor's Note -- When candidates who have major divorce problems, like Blair Hull and Jack Ryan, run against Obama, the Combine makes sure that ABC7, NBC5, CBS2, Chicago Tribune, Chicago Sun-Times, Daily Herald, Beacon News, etc. tells everyone about it. But outrageously, when an Obama-endorsed candidate like Bill Foster has major divorce problems, the Combine makes sure that ABC7, NBC5, CBS2, Chicago Tribune, Chicago Sun-Times, Daily Herald, Beacon News, etc. does not report it.
2008 GOPUSA ILLINOIS Wish List DIERSEN: The Republican Party platform is conservative and the Republican Party exists to help elect Republican candidates who can and will advance that platform. The Democrat Party platform is liberal and the Democrat Party exists to help elect Democrat candidates who can and will advance that platform. The Combine exists in Illinois to a) advance the personal financial interest of its members, b) advance the Democrat Party platform, and c) defeat candidates who can and will advance the Republican Party platform. Bills in the Illinois Senate and House would return to Illinois Republican primary election voters the power to directly elect those who govern the Illinois Republican Party (IRP) -- the 19 members of the IRP State Central Committee (SCC). Tragically, for decades, the IRP, and especially the SCC, has been dominated by the Combine. Tragically, efforts to rebuild the IRP and efforts to motivate regular Republicans to contribute to the IRP are severely hampered if not futile as long as the Combine continues to dominate the IRP. GOPUSA ILLINOIS 2008 wish list:
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