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Can Dorgan pull it off?

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* Subscribers know more. Hinz…

A veteran Illinois GOP insider and Springfield lobbyist appears to have moved to the front of the pack in the competition to fill out the term of resigned state Republican Chairman Pat Brady.

Multiple high-level Republican sources tell me that Jack Dorgan, a Rosemont village trustee, is close to securing the votes he’ll need from fellow members of the Illinois Republican Committee when that panel meets on Saturday to elect a new chairman to serve until April 2014.

Mr. Dorgan, 53, declined almost all comment to me, saying only in a phone conversation that he’s interested in the job and is “excited about the opportunity to remind the voters that Illinois is a two-party state.” But he has a long, long record, one that has both made him friends and enemies in the party. […]

I predict a lively meeting on Saturday, with much to discuss. But Mr. Dorgan has friends, with sources suggesting that U.S. Sen. Mark Kirk, R-Ill., will back him.

Dorgan didn’t decline to comment to me.

* Sun-Times…

Dorgan, who is also a Rosemont Village Trustee, does not yet have the needed 50 percent-plus-one majority votes from the panel, but he’s closer than the remaining seven candidates, a knowledgeable source told the Sun-Times. Attorney Mark Shaw, businessman Jim Nalepa, Angel Garcia, Don Tracy, Lori Yokoyama and Joe Walsh are others still on list.

– Other developments: Cook County Commissioner Tim Schneider, who was once rumored to be the front-runner, has withdrawn his name from contention.

– Former U.S. Rep. Joe Walsh is the only candidate not to provide a resume yet and is not actively calling people asking for support. (It’s thought that a party leadership role would threaten Walsh’s new radio gig).

– Each candidate will have five minutes to address the public before the committee goes into private session with the candidates.

I’ve known Dorgan for years, and I still don’t understand why he wants the worst job in Illinois. He thinks he can do some good. But, man, is he ever in for some tough times if he wins.

posted by Rich Miller
Friday, May 31, 13 @ 9:46 am

Comments

– Former U.S. Rep. Joe Walsh is the only candidate not to provide a resume yet….–

Still working on the list of “Major Accomplishments.”

Comment by wordslinger Friday, May 31, 13 @ 9:52 am
“I still don’t understand why he wants the worst job in Illinois”

One can make a very compelling argument the worst job in Illinois is Governor.

Comment by Angry Republican Friday, May 31, 13 @ 9:54 am
Well glad someone besides Walsh is stepping up.

Comment by OneMan Friday, May 31, 13 @ 9:56 am
I’m a big fan of Jack’s and like Rich don’t get why he wants to do this. How can he lobby Dems while taking shots at the party? That has traditionally been the main job of the GOP Chair.

Comment by Frank Friday, May 31, 13 @ 9:56 am
===One can make a very compelling argument the worst job in Illinois is Governor. ===

LOL

The governor has power. Big dif.

Comment by Rich Miller Friday, May 31, 13 @ 9:59 am
===Former U.S. Rep. Joe Walsh is the only candidate not to provide a resume yet===

(insert ‘Jokes’ here…)

“Font issues”, Colored paper or white paper, parchment?

“How do you make ‘Screams loud’ a ‘Skill set attribute’?”

If any of the 8 finalist can show ‘Leadership’ in understanding what this ‘job’ is, and how to do it, I am all for it, be it Mr. Dorgan, or any of the 7…

If I have to compare ‘a Jack Dorgan’ to ‘a Jim Nalepa’ or ‘a Joe Walsh’ for example, they all bring different traits to the job…

If Mr. Dorgan can pull it off and win this ‘leadership’ post, with his background, I would be at least interested to hear what Mr. Dorgan has to say…

Comment by Oswego Willy Friday, May 31, 13 @ 10:00 am
I’ve always liked Jack and think he’s smart but having a lobbyist as the head of the party is a really easy bulls-eye.

Comment by The Captain Friday, May 31, 13 @ 10:04 am
“I’ve always wanted to be the biggest sea captain but Joe and Jason both told me the Titanic was sunk. They told me this was the next best job like that, so I took it.”

Comment by Madison Friday, May 31, 13 @ 10:14 am
The job has already hit rock bottom, there is only one direction it can go and that is up.

The majority of the public doesn’t pay attention to whom Chair’s the parties, but I agree it will be difficult for him to remain an effective lobbyist.

Comment by Endangered Moderate Species Friday, May 31, 13 @ 10:18 am
The person with the best political record of accomplishment is Tim Schneider, who withdrew..To put a lobbyist in charge is another dumb move by the Repbulicans..The party needs to clean house..Put in new people with new ideas..

Comment by Baseball one Friday, May 31, 13 @ 10:19 am
“and I still don’t understand why he wants the worst job in Illinois.”

Come on Rich, the guy is a lobbyist. Do you really not see how that title can be a boost for business? Seriously? Really? Stop it with the “oh woe is me, this is such a thankless job” shtick. You’re sounding more and more like Topinka. All of the whiners who complained about this job publicly fought viciously to get it and to keep it. Sheesh.

Comment by too obvious Friday, May 31, 13 @ 10:25 am
=The party needs to clean house..Put in new people with new ideas=
Agreed

Comment by Downstater Friday, May 31, 13 @ 10:26 am
===…Titanic…===

The ILGOP is not the Titnaic. That is a defeatist attitude. Enough with the Titanic.

The ILGOP is, however, the Caine.

Dorgan was accused of stealing the “Fresh Strawberries” and nothing would be more Caine-Like, than Dorgan taking over the Caine and “righting the ship”

Do they have Strawberry-Filled Cannoli?

Comment by Oswego Willy Friday, May 31, 13 @ 10:26 am
===Do you really not see how that title can be a boost for business?===

I can see it as a boost, but I can see it as a real problem as well. The Repubs don’t exactly have a whole lot of members.

Comment by Rich Miller Friday, May 31, 13 @ 10:31 am
The process is flawed, which is likely why Tim Schneider dropped out. It is all about the messenger and none about the message. A. Lincoln, himself, said, “A house divided cannot stand.” The party is divided and hasn’t “stood”. The GOP needs leaders like Schneider who have won 9 consecutive elections in Cook County and has a successful track record of working with people of opposing viewpoints - which he must do on the Cook County Board. As importantly, he isn’t branded on social issues. If the SCC had their heads screwed on, they would scrap the process and draft Tim.

Comment by Voice of Reason Friday, May 31, 13 @ 10:33 am
- too obvious -,

A bit jaded, but what ‘a Dorgan’ brings to the table is accountability;

The “Right” is going to focus on the Lobbying, keeping an eye on Dorgan and all his moves.

The “Moderates” are going to keep an eye on Dorgan, watching if Dorgan is trying to assist in getting “Reagan Democrats” back, or hurting the Center/Right Independent voter recruitment by either going to far “Right” or allowing those “Reagan Democrats” to NOT see the ILGOP as an option.

From the “Lobbyist” perspective of a potential Party Chair.

Comment by Oswego Willy Friday, May 31, 13 @ 10:37 am
=== The governor has power ===

Mileage may vary on whether the governor has much power, however everyone knows that he does have a helicopter.

Comment by Bill White Friday, May 31, 13 @ 10:48 am
===Mileage may vary on whether the governor has much power===

This governor chooses to squander power, but the office has considerable constitutional and political powers.

Comment by Rich Miller Friday, May 31, 13 @ 10:49 am
=== This governor chooses to squander power ===

Agreed

Comment by Bill White Friday, May 31, 13 @ 10:59 am
No joking around here…what the GOP needs is a healer.
I don’t really care where he or she comes from or what he or she did for a living before that. The only force that can perpetuate the two party system in Illinois happens to be the Republicans, as much as I hate to admit it. Doing so also makes the Democratic party healthy long-term. Think about it…nobody ever made themselves really good at anything with good competition.

Comment by Madison Friday, May 31, 13 @ 11:06 am
Without good competition!

Comment by Madison Friday, May 31, 13 @ 11:06 am
We were on the Titanic. It was a fine vessel until we ran out of ice and tried to shave a little off the berg.
We also know Jack. He does not seem like the type who will have the patience to listen to the wing nuts like WhackyJack and develop a plan to get some GOPies elected.
Good luck Jack.
DeadBeatJoe would have been more entertaining.
Fire, Ready,Aim

Comment by CircularFiringSquad Friday, May 31, 13 @ 11:11 am
Madison: You are spot on. That is why the selection process should have been all about who could best try to unify the party & that automatically disqualifys anyone branded on social issues or aligned with either polarized wing of the party. Quite simply: the SCC doesn’t get it. They are part of the problem - not part of the solution.

Comment by Voice of Reason Friday, May 31, 13 @ 11:13 am
Rich’s judgment is to be respected here.

Mr. Dorgan might well be the best and most ethical choice for this role, but he’s going to have to overcome some (relatively uninformed) bias that many share.

The words “Rosemont” and “lobbyist” are triggers for heightened scrutiny. They always seem to make out disproportionately well when the Dems are passing out money. There are other negative perceptions that caused Rosemont not to get the Rivers casino license. My first reaction to the BIMP bill, when described on the House floor, was concern that Rosemont was getting “extra” money.

This might be foolish, and unfair to Mr Dorgan, but the perception is there.

Comment by walkinfool Friday, May 31, 13 @ 11:20 am
I have summarized the problems with Dorgan at my blog site: http://ilgopchair2013.wordpress.com/2013/05/31/dorgan-does-not-yet-have-the-votes-for-il-gop-chair/
The visitors and page views are skyrocketing in the last 24 hours as no site has covered this issue in more detail over the last week than me.

Comment by Jon Zahm Friday, May 31, 13 @ 11:56 am
Now that I think about it the Titanic could be a metaphor for the ILGOP…steaming ahead at full speed… Captain Brady unaware of the danger that lies ahead as the passengers happily munch on strawberry filled cannoli in the dining room…
Yeah, that fits.

Comment by Madison Friday, May 31, 13 @ 12:06 pm
Oswego Bill as the Radiotelegraph Officer….SOS-SOS-SOS
Its all coming together now…

Comment by Madison Friday, May 31, 13 @ 12:09 pm
- Madison -,

Agreed, Agreed! When you say it that way, how can that not fit? lol

I guess, no matter how we parse this, it has been a shipwreok, and a new Captain is needed

Comment by Oswego Willy Friday, May 31, 13 @ 12:09 pm
Only my Mom calls me ‘Bill’ …

Comment by Oswego Willy Friday, May 31, 13 @ 12:10 pm
But the question that intrigues us all Will…who will actually buy the rights to this classic, and the cannoli recipe that goes with it?

Comment by Madison Friday, May 31, 13 @ 12:12 pm
Try to keep the Navy out of this plot as it could get real ugly William.

Comment by Madison Friday, May 31, 13 @ 12:15 pm
- Jon Zahm -

What … voters … do the SSC face?

Is Dorgan a RINO?

What candidate will not face the “wrath” of the … voters(?)

Comment by Oswego Willy Friday, May 31, 13 @ 12:22 pm
===…who will actually buy the rights to this classic, and the cannoli recipe that goes with it? ===

“Dear - Madison -,

Your story sounds interesting and we appreciate you sending it to us, but, it’s not realistic and no one would believe it.

Signed,

ALL of Hollywood.

p.s. This is a ‘true story’? No one will believe it.”

Comment by Oswego Willy Friday, May 31, 13 @ 12:25 pm
===as no site has covered this issue in more detail over the last week than me.===

And the Tallest Midget Award goes to…

Comment by Mr. Magoo Friday, May 31, 13 @ 1:05 pm
Add some drama?
Perhaps a certain naval officer would save the day?
lipstick on a pig, right?

Comment by Madison Friday, May 31, 13 @ 1:21 pm
- Madison -,

Oh Man! Now I have to re-write the the entire first three scenes.

What’s next, a car chase?

Comment by Oswego Willy Friday, May 31, 13 @ 1:28 pm
Your right about this resembling a movie - you just have the wrong movie. This is a classic case of “Catch-22″. All of the candidates who remain interested should be automatically disqualified for failing to understand the fundamental problem. The SCC should then try to recruit one of the only 2 candidates who were sane enough to take themselves out of the process: Tim Schneider & Matt Murphy. The best option among the remaining candidates is “None of the above”.

Comment by Voice of Reason Friday, May 31, 13 @ 2:30 pm
===…for failing to understand the fundamental problem.===

What is the “fundamental problem”?

Comment by Oswego Willy Friday, May 31, 13 @ 2:45 pm
===What is the “fundamental problem”?===

To far to the right? Unwilling to compromise? To moderate? To cozy with Democrats? Not conservative enough? Unable to grow a stable of electable candidates? Unable to raise money? To willing to compromise ideals?

The fundamental problem is so obvious. Not!!

Comment by Endangered Moderate Species Friday, May 31, 13 @ 3:53 pm
The FUNDAMENTAL problem is that the party is divided on social issues that prevent formation of a consensus on the more important economic issues that confront us. The main job of a new Chairman, therefore, is to emphasize that which unites, rather than divides us. To do so, they themselves can’t be identified with either polar wing of the party. The fact that we are divided on social issues simply means that we are like the rest of the state - and the nation, rather than being out of touch. When we understand that & more importantly, when the electorate realizes that - maybe things will start to change. For too long we have allowed the opposition to brand us as being all too far right on social issues, while at the same time gloating over our internal divisions on social doctrine. It can’t be both. When we get an adult in the room to tell us that is is okay - even natural to disagree on social issues and that we have to agree to disagree without being disagreeable - then we can focus on that which unites us and attract others to join us in our economic agenda. At present - we don’t have the votes to pass any legislation. The Democrats have the votes, but CAN’T. The taxpayers deserve better. They need two parties.

Comment by Voice of Reason Friday, May 31, 13 @ 4:13 pm
- Voice of Reason -,

And you say NONE of the 8 left standing understand this “Fundamental”?

None?

Further, None can use their leadership to achieve those goals?

Sees a bit “Ivory Tower” to think NONE of the 8 can meet that criteria.

Comment by Oswego Willy Friday, May 31, 13 @ 4:26 pm
Maybe I have missed something. Please enlighten me to which one(s)have said as much and which one(s) aren’t aligned with either side of the social debate??

Comment by Voice of Reason Friday, May 31, 13 @ 4:36 pm
- Voice of Reason -

Matt Murphy….considered a Conservative but thoughtful to Moderates.

You posted …

===To do so, they themselves can’t be identified with either polar wing of the party.===

I’m confused.

You have Matt Murphy as one of two who are ===sane enough to take themselves out of the process===

So, are we looking for an insane, wishy-washy, floater, who is a leader, but not identified with any wing or part of the Party, but can get the focus back to economics, and ignore the social aspect, even though the Party Platform has social aspects.

Help(?)

Comment by Oswego Willy Friday, May 31, 13 @ 4:41 pm
I wouldn’t call Jack Dorgan a social Conservative, and I would not call Jim Nalepa a social Moderate…Is there a “Social Neutral”?

Comment by Oswego Willy Friday, May 31, 13 @ 4:43 pm
You missed my original comment: the process is flawed as it is all about the messenger and none about the message. The platform, quite simply, isn’t representative of the state GOP, hence the divisiveness. I infer, or would like to infer, that Murphy and Schneider realized that. Maybe that’s why the win, rather than lose elections. No one else has opined at all about the message. That is a fact.

Comment by Voice of Reason Friday, May 31, 13 @ 4:54 pm
Further, it isn’t called being “social neutral” - it is called being tolerant and respectful of other viewpoints - even if you disagree with them.

It isn’t very productive to engage in a social debate when the opposition has a super majority in both chambers.

Comment by Voice of Reason Friday, May 31, 13 @ 4:57 pm
===The platform, quite simply, isn’t representative of the state GOP===

No, it is representative, because those on the SCC have made it about the Platform and what a GOP Chairman must do or be.

I agree, that Schneider and Murphy may have a better “pulse”, but to say there is not ONE of the 8 that understand… really?

Why not Dorgan? Mr. Dorgan will not pander to Oberweis and the Slytherin House Wing, Jack likes to win, and working close to Roger McAullife, Jim Thompson, AND Jim Edgar, it appears Mr. Dorgan has a good grasp how to get “Reagan Democrats” to vote for Republicans…

What are you looking for that these 8 don’t have?

Comment by Oswego Willy Friday, May 31, 13 @ 5:00 pm
===It isn’t very productive to engage in a social debate when the opposition has a super majority in both chambers. ===

No, it isn’t productive when the IL Senate votes 18-1 Against SSM, and then try to sell that we are “inclusive”

If you look at both Caucuses, I would not say that represent a “good cross-section” of Illinois.

When I look at the Dem Caucuses, I can actually say that.

Comment by Oswego Willy Friday, May 31, 13 @ 5:04 pm
You again seem to miss the point. The fact that there are only 19 Republican Senators is the story. Had we amended our message to a more inclusive one - we would have more Senators and a broader perspective.

Comment by Voice of Reason Friday, May 31, 13 @ 5:25 pm
What I am looking for is: A winner of elections; someone who can deliver votes in the most populous county in the state; someone with a proven history of working with others who have opposing viewpoints; and someone who isn’t aligned with either side of the social agenda.

Comment by Voice of Reason Friday, May 31, 13 @ 5:29 pm
No, I got the point, thanks.

The HGOP and the SGOP run their own races, the Chairman gets money, and “tries” to focus a message, and last cycle was “Fire Madigan”

So …

===A winner of elections; someone who can deliver votes in the most populous county in the state; someone with a proven history of working with others who have opposing viewpoints; and someone who isn’t aligned with either side of the social agenda.===

And NONE can do that? Based on what? you said NONE, ok, so NONE?

Comment by Oswego Willy Friday, May 31, 13 @ 5:31 pm
If you are looking for “blame” on the 19 IL GOP Senators, I give you “Commander Galloway” and her crackerjack Senior Campaign Staff, as the same goes for “Two-Putt” Tom Cross and his Keystone Kops of a Senior Campaign Staff, who got “Fire Madiganed”

Pat Brady wears the jacket for 4.5 million phone calles and no GOTV aparatus to work with the Caucuses. The Caucuses are their own “Shops”

Comment by Oswego Willy Friday, May 31, 13 @ 5:36 pm
Finally, we agree on something

Comment by Voice of Reason Friday, May 31, 13 @ 5:39 pm
Oh, we agree, and its all good.

To say none of the 8 is qualified to move this forward is not something that is completely accurate.

Comment by Oswego Willy Friday, May 31, 13 @ 5:40 pm