* All of us who knew John were in shock on Friday when we got the sad news about his unexpected passing. Tribune…
In dealing with the travails of serving as a spokesman and strategist for myriad Illinois Republican candidates, John McGovern stayed true to his beliefs in policy and civility even as public moods about ideology and partisanship shifted.
McGovern, whose work with candidates for state, congressional and U.S. Senate offices spanned decades, died Friday, apparently of heart failure, his family said. He was 48.
Over the years, McGovern’s work included time as the state Republican Party’s spokesman and executive director. He worked on former U.S. Sen. Peter Fitzgerald’s initial 1998 bid for the office and Judy Baar Topinka’s 2006 governor run. He advised former U.S. House Speaker Dennis Hastert. And McGovern coordinated congressional campaigns for Mark Kirk and Bob Dold on the North Shore, as well as Kirk’s 2010 Senate victory.
Through it all, McGovern represented a largely departed form of political civility, supporting moderate beliefs in an already rough-and-tumble business that has evolved as more candidates play to the extremes of each party’s base, further polarizing the electorate.
* Sun-Times…
Longtime friend and colleague Brad Hahn called him the “gold standard on the Republican side” in terms of his ability to craft messages, speeches and strategy that not only appealed to Republicans but also broader audiences.
But he wasn’t just good at his job. Hahn said McGovern “was always an amazing friend” and a “great person.”
“He had an amazing wit, sharpness and humor that is unmatched by anyone I’ve ever worked with, and beyond that he was a great friend, colleague and mentor,” Hahn said. “In politics and government there’s a lot of fakeness, but John was genuine and always there as a friend.” […]
Admiration also came from across the aisle. Democratic strategist Kitty Kurth, now president of political consulting firm Kurth Lampe, said McGovern was “always professional.”
“We would disagree on candidates and issues, but he was never disagreeable,” Kurth said. “He was an honorable man in politics, which, in this day and age, is hard to come by.” […]
His family has asked that donations in memoriam be made to Deerfield Academy in Massachusetts, The Art Institute of Chicago, or Elawa Farm in Lake Forest.
* Scott Fornek…
“John McGovern, ‘gold standard’ of GOP political strategy in Illinois, dies at 48.”
I didn’t write that headline, but I could have. Illinois lost a good man and a brilliant political mind. And Illinois politics just got a bit less fun.
Godspeed, John.
* llinois Republican Party Chairman Tim Schneider…
John McGovern was an incredibly talented strategist whose instinct and skill led to many successful Republican campaigns. He was widely respected by those active in Illinois politics, regardless of their political affiliation. His straight talk and balanced approach to campaigns and politics will be greatly missed. Please keep John’s family in your thoughts and prayers.
* Services…
A service of thanksgiving for the life of John E. McGovern, III will be held on Wednesday, July 18 4:30 p.m. The Church of the Holy Spirit 400 East Westminster Road Lake Forest, IL 60045
He was such a fun, sweet man. You could strongly disagree with the guy without ever coming away feeling any less respect for him. He was brilliant and did his job well, but without ever taking himself seriously. There just aren’t many like him in this business.
…Adding… Missed this one…
- Ace Laredo - Monday, Jul 16, 18 @ 10:49 am:
I worked with John for years on behalf of a non-profit he supported, and socialized with him as a result. He was a truly fine, good-hearted, intelligent man that was “good craic” as the Irish say. What a shock.
- Ron Burgundy - Monday, Jul 16, 18 @ 10:52 am:
It’s been many years since I worked with John, but what a class guy he was. Never shrill or angry, always in good spirits. IL politics needs a lot more like him. Rest in peace.
- Anonymous - Monday, Jul 16, 18 @ 10:57 am:
Rest In Peace, McGovern. I’ll do my best to continue to strive to be, as you would put it, fun.
- Steve Brown - Monday, Jul 16, 18 @ 11:11 am:
This was very sad news. So first we offer prayers for strength and comfort to his family during these very difficult times.
Recall many direct and indirect contacts with John. Very good guy.
- Louis G. Atsaves - Monday, Jul 16, 18 @ 11:31 am:
Heard the sad news over the weekend. A voice of reason in a more unreasonable world. God Speed, John.
- Oswego Willy - Monday, Jul 16, 18 @ 4:17 pm:
My sincere condolences to the McGovern family and to all his friends.
Gone far too young.
You only need to read the impactful words and the so kind feelings others had towards him to realize the loss John McGovern is as an operative, and as a person.
Godspeed, John.
- Margaret Houlihan Smith - Monday, Jul 16, 18 @ 4:32 pm:
Such sad news, John was a terrific guy who always had a smile on his face and a sparkle in his eyes. God Bless John and his young family.
- chad - Monday, Jul 16, 18 @ 4:34 pm:
Worked with him on many campaigns in the field and at the Statehouse. An example of the type of professional staff member who we need many more of — effective, honest and tough only when really necessary. To the family, please know his colleagues enjoyed his strong character as well as his manner. In your sorrow, please know that he was respected and is one of those who will be remembered for having achieved good things for citizens in our State. He did wonderful things for others.
- chitowndrummer - Monday, Jul 16, 18 @ 5:14 pm:
I was so incredibly shocked and saddened to hear this news over the weekend. As many others have said, John’s professionalism and keen political skills were exceeded only by his personal warmth, kindness and generous spirit. All of us who were privileged to know and work with John are diminished by his passing. May God bless him and his family!
- Anne-Marie - Monday, Jul 16, 18 @ 10:41 pm:
Johnny was indeed a gentleman and civil, which all should appreciate even more in these unnecessarily divisive times. Even so, he was passionate and unwavering in his political beliefs. He fought for what he held close.
- get real - Tuesday, Jul 17, 18 @ 8:08 am:
The guy was hatchet man for 2 of the filthiest and most corrupt shops in IL history, Topinka and Hastert.