The Illinois Leader runs down the potential Republicans and, uh, they don’t look that strong. It appears that Jack Ryan has the lead with RTA Chair McCracken behind. Ryan is a neophyte and McCracken has strong ties to the DuPage Republican Machine which is likely to be torn apart by federal prosecutors across the next year.
In the second tier, perienial loser John Cox comes in tied with probably the most serious candidate, Steve Rauschenberger. Behind them comes a list of those exploring the idea including Jim Durkin who was beat by Durbin in 2002.
Just to assure everyone that is worried the Illinois Circular Firing Squad Team has not dissolved into a party of peace, love and understanding,
Questions were asked from three different conference sponsors, and each of the candidates responded to the questions. One question involved calling for the ouster of Bob Kjellander as the Illinois GOP’s national committeeman and a public apology to the past state chairman Gary Macdougal for the way he was ousted from his position, and replaced by current chair Judy Baar-Topinka.
Senator Rauschenberger gave a firm agreement to a call for the ousting of Kjellander, and others acknowledged what they called inappropriate responses to Macdougal’s leadership in the Illinois GOP last year.
Oh, this is going to be fun to watch–especially if moderate Judy Biggert gets in the race as Topinka is trying to have happen.
Welcome back boys, I missed the fireworks!