The above title is misleading because it suggests Democrats ever had a foothold in McLean County. But Jeff Trigg discusses Mr. Newcom and I can’t resist. Newcom is running for Recorder of Deeds in McLean County. He took on an incumbent Republican who had made some hash of the books, but in his typical burn down the house style, Newcom has alienated many Republicans in McLean. Some rather die hard Republicans are suggesting that the Democrat may win the first county wide office since Steve Brienan ran for sheriff (he later switched to the Republican Party). Brienan’s race goes back to a lot of arcane history in abusive sheriff’s and ties to a Sheriff named King (IIRC). Brienan was a good guy and overcame the Republican advantage. In this case, Newcom may well have made enough intraparty enemies through his years to actually lose this race.
Jeff let’s him off the hook, but remember, this is a guy who came to my high school and told the young Republicans that they were great because they could pull dirty tricks without being held accountable. Those are some values!