Illinois Update from RNC Winter Meeting

(Letters to Editor)

From:
Jack Dorgan, Chairman, Illinois Republican Party
Demetra DeMonte, Illinois National Committeewoman
Richard Porter, Illinois National Committeeman

Republican National Committee: Growing our Party to Win

This week, Republican leaders traveled from every corner of our country to attend the winter meeting of the Republican National Committee.

The Committee met to discuss plans for winning elections here in Illinois and across the country, and strategies to get our country back on the right track after years of runaway government, disastrous laws like ObamaCare, and trillion-dollar budget deficits.

The committee also voted to streamline the presidential primary calendar, and elected members of the 2016 Convention Site Selection Committee. Among the cities vying to host the convention in 2016 are Las Vegas, Kansas City, Phoenix, Denver, and Columbus.

Illinois was proudly represented by Jack Dorgan, Chairman of the Illinois Republican Party (right), Demetra DeMonte, Illinois National Committeewoman and RNC Secretary, and Richard Porter, the newly elected Illinois National Committeeman.

Chairman Priebus: RNC Growing Stronger

RNC Chairman Reince Priebus addressed the committee on Friday with a message of growth and expansion.

Priebus focused on three goals: “to build a permanent ground campaign, to close the digital divide, and to engage with voters of all backgrounds.”

Read the full transcript of Chairman Priebus’ speech here.

RNC Co-Chair Sharon Day followed with a reminder about the importance of women to a strong GOP: “We’re not a group to be ‘outreached to’; we’re 53 percent of the vote! … If we as Republicans want to win elections, then we as a party need to start delivering women votes.”

Victory in November Starts Right Here, Right Now

Much of the focus in Washington boiled down to two fronts: growing the party, and the critical importance of the grass-roots. Elections are won and lost on the front lines, and Republicans have an all-important task of turning out Republican voters wherever they are.

If you haven’t already, please take a moment to volunteer your time and efforts in the battle ahead. I’m sure you don’t need to be reminded of the stakes at play – the importance of taking the reins away from Barack Obama, Nancy Pelosi, Harry Reid and Pat Quinn – but you might need to know where to make your presence felt.

Our website has an easy link to sign up to help – just click here – and we can always be reached at (312) 201-9000 and info@ilgop.org.  It’s as easy as volunteering to place a sign in your yard or make phone calls, and it will make all the difference.

If you don’t have time to volunteer, please consider supporting the party with a financial contribution, which can be made on our website: ILGOP.org.

Illinois Republican Party Update:

The races here in Illinois have been heating up in the past few weeks, and the Illinois Republican Party has been front and center. Here’s what you may have missed:

Frerichs Fact Check: Tall Tales, Big Problems in Campaign Rollout

This week, state Sen. Mike Frerichs rolled out his campaign for state Treasurer with a resounding thud. His announcement video was riddled with factual errors, forcing Frerichs to retract the video and apologize for his mistakes.

[Infographic] ObamaCare in Illinois: Just the Tip of the Iceberg

Republican Party Slams Gov. Quinn for GOP Primary Manipulation

Over the past few weeks, multiple reports have pointed to an interference campaign by the Democratic Governors Association (DGA) in the Illinois Republican gubernatorial primary. Vulnerable Illinois Gov. Pat Quinn is a board member and current labor chair of the DGA, and former finance chair.

ObamaCare Hurting the Middle Class under Cheri Bustos

With ObamaCare poised to become one of the biggest issues of the 2014 election, Rep. Cheri Bustos (D-East Moline) is notably absent from the debate. Instead, she’s trying to play both sides to save her political career, while Illinois’s middle class is stuck waiting in the middle.

[Infographic] Obama’s Home State On Track to Miss ObamaCare Goals

GOP Governor Debates:

Chicago Sun-Times: GOP gubernatorial rivals stress being reasonable and electable in first TV debate

Quad Cities Times: GOP governor candidates debate economic issues

ABC 7: Republican candidates for Illinois governor meet in first formal debate

Upcoming debates/forums:

Feb. 4: Illinois Manufacturers Association Candidate Forum

Feb. 18: Citizens Club of Springfield

March 4: NBC5/University of Chicago

Other Debates/Forums

YOU’RE INVITED: Gov. Jindal Coming to Chicago

The Illinois Republican Party is pleased to welcome potential 2016 presidential candidate and outstanding Republican Governor Bobby Jindal to Illinois.

On Tuesday, February 25, Louisiana Gov. Bobby Jindal will be hosting a dinner fundraiser for the Illinois Republican Party. The event starts at 6:00 p.m. at the Union League Club in Downtown Chicago.

Additional information can be found at ILGOPEvents.com. We hope to see you there!

Important Dates:

Tuesday, January 28: State of the Union Address

Wednesday, January 29: State of the State Address

Wednesday, February 19: Governor’s Budget Address

Tuesday, March 18: Illinois Republican Primary

Tuesday, April 16: County Conventions