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Yeah, this will work out well

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* Sarah Schulte at ABC 7…

“No, it’s not the end of the party,” said Pat Brady, former Illinois Republican Party chairman and political consultant. “The party is strong, but we need to get back to the issues people care about and become less of a party focused on the personality of one man.” […]

“In Illinois we focus on the suburban voters, particularly suburban women who are open to a message of law and order. A lot of people worry about crime,” he said.

While Brady said the Republican Party needs to move away from Trumpism, former Cook County GOP chair Aaron Del Mar said the party must include Trump supporters to survive.

“People like Adam Kinzinger who thinks a path forward in Illinois are going to be greatly surprised when he can’t get through a Republican primary because of some of his rhetoric with the president,” Del Mar said. […]

“To win in Illinois, you are going to need all Republicans, and a good chunk of Independents, and soft Democrats to be successful,” said Del Mar.

* Meanwhile, a certain Eastern Bloc member has taken to demanding that the ILGOP step in and do something about Kinzinger…

He’s also ranting about attacks on religious freedom because of impeachment, or something…

Today is Nation Religious Freedom Day and Religious Freedom is certainly under attack in the US!
Thank you Franklin Graham for standing!

Posted by Darren Bailey for State Senate 55th District on Saturday, January 16, 2021

posted by Rich Miller
Wednesday, Jan 20, 21 @ 10:03 am

Comments

“open to a message of law and order”

Following the criminal justice reforms, I feel like this will be the issue that unites the moderate Republicans and the Trumpers. The next two years will be an absolutely bonkers display of Republicans terrifying suburbanites that the police have been sidelined and criminals are coming after them.

Comment by NIU Grad Wednesday, Jan 20, 21 @ 10:05 am

The 11th commandment: thou shalt not impeach Dona;d Trump.

Comment by Jibba Wednesday, Jan 20, 21 @ 10:07 am

The ILGOP can’t help themselves.
Brady blowing the dog whistle regarding crime, yet no mention of criminal justice reform.
A GOP primary candidate is gonna win by disavowing 45?
Yeah, good luck with that.

Comment by Flyin' Elvis'-Utah Chapter Wednesday, Jan 20, 21 @ 10:08 am

Pat Brady is living proof that not everyone is capable f being a “lifelong learner”. It is that thinking that is keeping Illinois a ILDP Super majority.

=Religious Freedom is certainly under attack in the US!=

If he is talking about an attack on non-christian religions by evangelicals he might be right. Otherwise this is a completely contrived issue and totally false.

Comment by JS Mill Wednesday, Jan 20, 21 @ 10:11 am

If you’re angry about people being against an insurrection, maybe you have bigger problems then a concern for a party.

The Republicans lose Jim Oberweis… Cabello, Skillicorn… even Wehrli… but those left like the eastern bloc, Bost, LaHood… Davis… those CongressCritters who not only voted with… Mary Miller against impeachment, the cowardly way they think voting against impeachment is smart politics…

For me, this period has been a long time (July 2013 - January 2021) that I felt in leadership a sense of ease to the *thoughts* of governing… were for a greater good, in Illinois and our country.

It’s been heavy.

The next 6-8 months leading up to (a) map(s) and petitions will be a real crossroads for me, well beyond a single cycle of politics.

There’s no easing back to a normalcy of Illinois Republican. This is the last chance for a party to build, or be forever a marginalized politic.

We need a strong two party system where comprising and leading isn’t seen with hatred and distain, and in the end, if we all don’t see eye to eye, we all know everyone is striving for a greater good, and we agree that’s ALL our mission.

We’ll (I’ll) see in these 6-8 months in Illinois.

Kinzinger is right, there is a battle in the ILGOP.

Siding with the eastern bloc, the cowards of the Republican CongressCritters who “just couldn’t” impeach a POTUS who incited an insurrection… time will show so much.

Comment by Oswego Willy Wednesday, Jan 20, 21 @ 10:11 am

The party of Darren Bailey is the party of resentment and white grievance. It is in its death throes as a political party and although it may be a pluralty (heaven help us), it will be almost impossible to gain a majority. They can follow Franklin Graham and Steve Bannon right off the cliff if they want, but the rest of the country is getting better at spotting the con.

Bailey is an old fashioned huckster selling a brand of ignorant slogans to people who’ve been left behind by the modern world. He could offer some solutions, but it’s much easier to peddle resentment and division. That’s how you stay on the political stage, but that also makes governing impossible.

Comment by 47th Ward Wednesday, Jan 20, 21 @ 10:14 am

The IL GOP should think about expelling Darren Bailey simply for his transition sunglasses.

Comment by Ok Wednesday, Jan 20, 21 @ 10:14 am

If they want to continue to be the party of Y’allqaeda, they can continue to flounder in the minority.

Comment by ChuckIL Wednesday, Jan 20, 21 @ 10:15 am

And just when the IL GOP had a sliver of a window to begin to reclaim parts of Illinois Government.

But Darren Bailey gonna go be Darren Bailey…

The IL GOP is at a cross roads with those other folks. They don’t have to win statewide races and they seemingly don’t care to. Bailey can’t see past the county line and is going to be happy or ignorant to the fact that he’s gonna drag down the entire party across the state.

Bring on 2022

Comment by Cool Papa Bell Wednesday, Jan 20, 21 @ 10:16 am

===“People like Adam Kinzinger who thinks a path forward in Illinois are going to be greatly surprised when he can’t get through a Republican primary because of some of his rhetoric with the president,” Del Mar said. […]

“To win in Illinois, you are going to need all Republicans, and a good chunk of Independents, and soft Democrats to be successful,” said Del Mar.===

You aren’t going to get “soft Democrats” by being in the tank for Trump. Ask Randy Hultgren and Jim Oberweis how well that worked. Or Jeanette Ward or John Cabello or Sheri Jesiel.

Comment by Precinct Captain Wednesday, Jan 20, 21 @ 10:19 am

Stoking white suburban fear didn’t work, as Trump did worse in Chicago suburbs/collars in 2020 than against Clinton. It’s true for suburbs in other states as well, according to various precinct/district level election data.

But do proceed with the intra-party fighting (grabbing popcorn). Trump has reportedly talked about forming a new party, the “Patriot Party,” and he is quite vindictive. If that happens, boy will the fun begin.

But in seriousness I hope the GOP votes to impeach/stop Trump from running again. It’s best for America.

Comment by Grandson of Man Wednesday, Jan 20, 21 @ 10:21 am

Just wait till the Patriot Party is formed. That’ll help. S/

Comment by Bruce( no not him) Wednesday, Jan 20, 21 @ 10:23 am

Del Mar is correct about Kinzinger’s future in a party increasingly defined by white violence.

Comment by Rich Hill Wednesday, Jan 20, 21 @ 10:23 am

“The next two years will be an absolutely bonkers display of Republicans terrifying suburbanites that the police have been sidelined and criminals are coming after them.” Translation: Dog whistles.

Comment by Skeptic Wednesday, Jan 20, 21 @ 10:24 am

This is a scary-scary thought to believing the ILGOP will denounce a person who incited an insurrection;

=== “People like Adam Kinzinger who thinks a path forward in Illinois are going to be greatly surprised when he can’t get through a Republican primary because of some of his rhetoric with the president,” Del Mar said. […]

“To win in Illinois, you are going to need all Republicans…===

If Del Mar still sees old, angry, white, conspiracists as a welcomed part of the ILGOP… you will lose…

“… a good chunk of Independents, and soft Democrats…”

… and me as well… a party that sees a conspiracists, an inciter of insurrection as a rallying for a party… nope. That’s not rebuilding a party.

Rooting against Kinzinger as it seems Del Mar is… not a great start for a rebuild.

Comment by Oswego Willy Wednesday, Jan 20, 21 @ 10:25 am

“But in seriousness I hope the GOP votes to impeach/stop Trump from running again. It’s best for America.”

I disagree. Trump being around to muddy the waters for other potential GOP presidential candidates would be better for America. If Trump is officially out of the picture, Jr is next man up undoubtedly. Heaven help us.

Comment by Ducky LaMoore Wednesday, Jan 20, 21 @ 10:27 am

“… Religious Freedom is certainly under attack in the US!”

Only if your religion is something other than Rick Santorum’s / Franklin Graham’s …

Comment by Anyone Remember Wednesday, Jan 20, 21 @ 10:31 am

I wonder about their pool of future talent now. Move on from “soft Democrats” how about driving away “soft Republicans” and losing them forever with stuff.

In this state if you push away 20% of those folks its OVER. I hope they keep it up.

Comment by Cool Papa Bell Wednesday, Jan 20, 21 @ 10:41 am

How the religious right jumped on supporting Trump for someone who is extremely non-Christian in deed (except for being conveniently anti-abortion) is still befuddling to me. Oh well.

Comment by James the Intolerant Wednesday, Jan 20, 21 @ 10:43 am

Long ago, met a young hard working family farmer and family man who later progressed to locajSchool Bd. President. Model Citizen.
Then change evolved, started his own school, aligned with far right causes, and became the State Sen D.Bailey of today.
His choice , but liked the old version better.

Comment by Red Ketcher Wednesday, Jan 20, 21 @ 10:46 am

I agree with OW. Too bad OW is a Democrat. If he weren’t he could run as a Republican.

Comment by Lucy Anne Wednesday, Jan 20, 21 @ 10:46 am

=== is a Democrat===

I’m neither a Trumpkin nor a Raunerite.

The same “trolls” trying to make it about me seemingly want racist thinking, conspiracists, and insurrectionists to be part of the GOP… and then use “Democrat” disparagingly.

Thank you for putting me outside of you, if you want to make it about me.

Comment by Oswego Willy Wednesday, Jan 20, 21 @ 10:49 am

Did we expect anything different from Senator Kadiddlehopper?

Comment by S. Side Wednesday, Jan 20, 21 @ 10:56 am

I don’t see how the state republican party gains any ground as long as they continue to allow the baileys to be the loudest speakers.

It’s been a long time since I voted for a republican in a state office, almost 10 years now. While I am cautious about the intentions of kinzinger I see his at least rational approach as a way back for the party going forward. His views on womens autonomy still mean I won’t be voting for him any time soon, but I can at least recognize him as embracing the concept of loyal opposition, which has been disappointingly absent lately.

Comment by TheInvisibleMan Wednesday, Jan 20, 21 @ 10:58 am

Man, Peggy Noonan was spitting fire the last couple of weekends. Referring to the GOP in DC, “‘Could they be that stupid?’ the answer—always—is, ‘Oh yes!’” The same could be said here.

Why they keep defending the guy is beyond me. Trump lost the House. Trump singlehandedly lost the Senate. Trump lost reelection to a job he barely performed. The only silver lining is that the party somehow managed to get 74mil votes for a guy who will (no hyperbole) go down as the worst President in US history. The GOP literally was cheering that they ONLY lost two seats for guys who, like Trump, were barely interested in campaigning.

So now what does the GOP want to do? Stick with the guy who embarrassed them repeatedly. Why? Trump doesn’t even have that kind of loyalty.

Rep. Kinzinger and Brady are 100% right here. Cut ties, treat them like LaRouchies, and move on. It’s laughable that the Cook County GOP leader is trying to give advice to anybody on how to win. His track record speaks for itself.

Comment by ChrisB Wednesday, Jan 20, 21 @ 11:00 am

The Rauner v. Ives Primary represented the almost equally powerful factions of the active ILGOP.
Raunerite messaging plus money could win a General in this economic environment; Ivesian could not.

If Trumpism becomes a differentiating segment, and if the economy and society gets dramatically healthier in 18 months, then it’s much tougher for ILGOP. They do need a stronger leader.

The Dems have their own problems.

Comment by walker Wednesday, Jan 20, 21 @ 11:17 am

The GOP has gotten louder the last few years….but they have also gotten smaller. Moderates like me have left them. I voted in GOP primaries for decades. No longer.
If and when Adam Kinzinger decides to run for statewide office, I will return to vote for him in a primary. Seriously doubt any other Republican currently in office will ever get my vote again. They defended and supported an individual instead of the constitution or their constituents.

Comment by thoughts matter Wednesday, Jan 20, 21 @ 11:19 am

Darren Bailey, the “this is your brain on…..” of Illinois politics.

Comment by Ace Laredo Wednesday, Jan 20, 21 @ 11:31 am

===The Illinois status quo.===

Meh. The renegades are those who see Adam Kinzinger as a “sellout”, who feel the need to welcome insurrectionist in the narrative of governing (which in of itself is counter to what it means to tear down your government, but I digress) and applauded the Rauner years of pain and policy unpassable as legislation.

Sometimes… running against the traffic is as silly as it sounds… and not at all a point of pride you may think it to be.

Comment by Oswego Willy Wednesday, Jan 20, 21 @ 11:32 am

=The Illinois status quo.=

And aside from a bit of sarcasm, you are adding what to the discussion?

Comment by JS Mill Wednesday, Jan 20, 21 @ 11:38 am

I would conversely ask what is the Republican Party going to do about the Darren Bailey’s of the party. To me those are the people that are the embarassment to the party and what is exactly wrong with the party.

Comment by Demoralized Wednesday, Jan 20, 21 @ 11:40 am

===… what is the Republican Party going to do about the Darren Bailey’s of the party. To me those are the people that are the embarassment to the party and what is exactly wrong with the party.===

- Demoralized -

It’s the battle between Kinzinger, and that question to *him* and Del Mar already responding to your query;

===… you are going to need all Republicans…===

Del Mar embraces Bailey. It’s right there.

Who will win? We’ll see.

Comment by Oswego Willy Wednesday, Jan 20, 21 @ 11:44 am

“Trump being around to muddy the waters for other potential GOP presidential candidates would be better for America.”

I’m old enough to remember when people very confidently said something very similar in 2015.

– MrJM

Comment by @misterjayem Wednesday, Jan 20, 21 @ 11:55 am

For once, Del Mar is right. Kinzinger is likely to face a primary challenge over his vote to impeach.

The voting demographics are likely to work against him in the congressional district. Not saying that he will be defeated, but he is going to be challenged.

Comment by Practical Politics Wednesday, Jan 20, 21 @ 12:05 pm

Yeah, Donald Trump is a corrosive element in American politics and will be for the rest of his life.

Comment by Rich Hill Wednesday, Jan 20, 21 @ 12:05 pm

With the assistance of the anti-democratic Electoral College, the partisan gerrymandering of House seats and woefully unbalanced Senate representation, even a deeply fractured GOP could still have success on the federal level.

In Illinois, a Republican return to power in the next decade would need need a big assist from multiple Democratic scandals and screw-ups.

So I’d give ‘em no more than a 40% chance.

Fifty-fifty tops.

– MrJM

Comment by @misterjayem Wednesday, Jan 20, 21 @ 12:10 pm

Both parties in Illinois have,to varying degrees, abandoned both fiscal responsibility, the middle class, and the working poor. There is room there to build a solid coalition but I don’t see either party achieving it anytime soon.

Comment by RNUG Wednesday, Jan 20, 21 @ 12:30 pm

We’ve seen a lot of history in the past several years. Next we are observers of the death of a political party. The over/under - before the midterms.

Comment by Lincoln Lad Wednesday, Jan 20, 21 @ 12:38 pm

I often discuss IL political situation with other people as the decline of the GOP happened when its base grew extreme enough to choose candidates that its other parts and independents could not support.

Comment by cermak_rd Wednesday, Jan 20, 21 @ 12:53 pm

=In Illinois we focus on the suburban voters, particularly suburban women who are open to a message of law and order.=

So you mean Republicans are going to disavow the Big Lie and impeach Trump for inciting a riot? No? Oh, right, when you say “law and order,” you mean for black and brown folx, not for white domestic terrorists…
Yeah, good luck getting suburban women and soft Democrats on board with that…

Comment by LakeCo Wednesday, Jan 20, 21 @ 1:01 pm

The Republican “law and order” message is kaput, after the Capitol insurrection and former president. Debt scolding and fiscal conservatism are also kaput, after deficit and debt explosion under GOP control of DC. Our previous governor did a number on finances as well.

Comment by Grandson of Man Wednesday, Jan 20, 21 @ 1:54 pm

Welcome to the party everyone. As you know Mike Madigan will not be joining this years event. I’d like you all to meet his replacement, his name is Law and Order. Law and Order will be on every mail piece and TV ad for the next 16 years. Sadly his older brother policy still hasn’t shown up to the event yet or RSVP’d, kind of strange.

Comment by Frank talks Wednesday, Jan 20, 21 @ 2:01 pm

First comment on Bailey’s page offered without additional commentary. “Any one that dont stick with conservative Republicans are part of the communist”

Comment by Chicago Cynic Wednesday, Jan 20, 21 @ 2:03 pm

When will the voters Downstate realize that they need representatives in the statehouse who might actually be able to help them?

I think I’d be afraid to ask the Eastern Bloc for help with anything right now. Would seem once the majority determined the Eastern Bloc was in favor, it would be the kiss of death.

We badly need more drug treatment resources Downstate. Could the Eastern Bloc work with the governor and majority on that?

Comment by BCOSEC Wednesday, Jan 20, 21 @ 2:20 pm

==We badly need more drug treatment resources Downstate. Could the Eastern Bloc work with the governor and majority on that?==

The Eastern Bloc should consider this suggestion. In reading Trump’s list of pardons, many were for drug offenses including many for methamphetamine charges.

Comment by don the legend Wednesday, Jan 20, 21 @ 3:07 pm

BCOSEC, to be honest, I was unaware that central and southern IL had a drug problem or a lack of drug treatment facilities. That should be on the list of priorities for the reps and sens from that area.

Comment by cermak_rd Wednesday, Jan 20, 21 @ 3:37 pm

First of all, the idolization of Trump by Evangelicals is disturbing and something they might want to consult the Bible about. Secondly, watching the Inauguration today I think religious freedom is doing just fine in the US. Between Biden’s speech and Garth Brooks singing Amazing Grace I don’t see the Biden Administration coming after religion. Now the Evangelicals desire to turn this country into a theocracy is another matter altogether, and when they say “religious freedom is under attack” that’s exactly what they mean.

Comment by MyTwoCents Wednesday, Jan 20, 21 @ 4:44 pm

Been a republican for years and a republican party official for 40 years, Bailey has been in office 2 years and is an expert on growing the party. To grow the party it takes addition, something he is not to wise to. Lives thru Watergate and Nixon, Goldwater and the worst shelacking in 1964 the party ever took. How did we recover ? By pitching a BIG TENT and inviting all to join. I salute Adam Kinzinger just hope enough senators will help us get thru this in a manner meaningful way to save us from worshiping false idols in the republican party henceforth.

Comment by The Old Man Wednesday, Jan 20, 21 @ 5:51 pm

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Yeah, this will work out well

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