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* Illinois Republican Party Chairman Jack Dorgan, speaking of the divide within his party…
“People who believe in one single issue, and will fall on the sword and lose an election because of one single issue, I don’t think are good political thinkers,” he said. “I really don’t. I respect what they say. I respect what everyone says.
“But because someone’s different or means something (different) or comes from a different part of town and they want to be Republican, the only thing I can say to them is, ‘Welcome.’”
* This, however, may be too big of a tent for some GOP primary voters…
Republican businessman Bert Miller’s entrance into the primary race that will decide who takes on Democratic U.S. Rep. Bill Foster is his first run for office, but he’s not necessarily new to elections.
As owner of Naperville’s Phoenix Closures, Miller took a turn last decade as chairman of the powerful Illinois Manufacturers Association and has given campaign donations to mostly Republicans, including Jim Oberweis, former House Speaker Dennis Hastert and former U.S. Rep. Don Manzullo — and most recently Kirk Dillard on Oct. 30, records show.
But his primary opponents have seized on two gifts to Democrats: $1,000 to then Democratic Senate candidate Barack Obama in 2003 and $1,000 in 2002 to Rod Blagojevich.
“Giving to those two figures does not help our country move in the right direction,” said Chris Balkema, a fellow Republican candidate for the 11th Congressional District and Grundy County Board member.
posted by Rich Miller
Friday, Nov 15, 13 @ 11:51 am
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Previous Post: Not so hard to miss
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Dear Chairman Dorgan,
Cannoli for you.
We need more in My Party like you, and more like this, please.
The “Caine” is better off with a new “Captain” on the Bridge.
Comment by Oswego Willy Friday, Nov 15, 13 @ 11:58 am
It turns out that Dorgan is one of those Republicans who likes to win elections.
Comment by Raymond Friday, Nov 15, 13 @ 12:01 pm
Geez, if the IMA doesn’t pass the purity test in some GOP minds, they can go down to Toy’s R’ Us and get the tent from the Malibu Barbie Goes Camping set.
That will be big enough.
Malibu Barbie and other Malibu Barbie Goes Camping accessories not included.
Comment by wordslinger Friday, Nov 15, 13 @ 12:04 pm
I get what Jack’s trying to say, but I think an appearance before the City Club may have been better used to articulate some policy/value propositions between GOP and Dem instead of discussing the party’s internal open wounds. Because the takeaway here ain’t good for the GOP.
Comment by Powell Friday, Nov 15, 13 @ 12:05 pm
The ultimate single issue litmus test the GOP faces is the “no tax increases, ever” pledge.
Comment by Bill White Friday, Nov 15, 13 @ 12:08 pm
- Powell -,
How so? Where is the bad “takeaway”?
Chairman Dorgan, by discussing the issues that have led to the ILGOP to be where it was when he took over, and how he sees the ILGOP, and that some in My Party are willing to lose …to be “Right” … casts the perfect light … the bright, shining, hot, white, light … as to why “some” don’t mind losing, and why some, like Mr. Dorgan, see “adding” leading… to winning.
Make that two Cannoli, Chairman Dorgan.
Comment by Oswego Willy Friday, Nov 15, 13 @ 12:10 pm
$2000 to Democrats!! That’s chump change compared to the hundreds of thousands Rauner has given to Dems.
Comment by Veritas Friday, Nov 15, 13 @ 12:12 pm
OW … someone in the ILGOP is ACTUALLY listening to you!
Comment by RNUG Friday, Nov 15, 13 @ 12:17 pm
OW-
I think comparing the ILGOP factions to that of a 60 year, violent and seemingly unresolvable situation between Israel and Palestinians does not give one the takeaway that the ILGOP is on a path towards success, much less resolution.
Maybe a different metaphor would have provided a light at the end of the tunnel.
Comment by Powell Friday, Nov 15, 13 @ 12:20 pm
- RNUG -,
Very much respect. Very. Much.
I am not the one being listened to;
The voters, the loses, the bad press, the grandstanding, the Slytherins, the Litmus Testers, the Blood Oathers … the Veto-Proofed General Assembly…
The message is being listened to, not me, with respect, again, - RNUG -.
Chairman Dorgan is one the ILGOP’s brightest at winning, and understands far more about it then a Dope like me could even speak to it. This statement and statements by Chairman Dorgan are about someone understanding all I listed above and about a thousand more than I could even fathom. I am not even in the equation, as I should not be, but the message, that is what is winning, and those factors above weigh much heavier on the Chairman of the Illinois Republican Party than some Dope from Oswego.
Kind words and thought - RNUG -, but I am not a factor in what good happens, or even in the bad that DID happen, and we are all better off in My Party with Chairman Dorgan understanding that …. adding … is the purpose of a party … not reducing.
Comment by Oswego Willy Friday, Nov 15, 13 @ 12:25 pm
=lengthy battle for control of the state party between a moderate GOP faction and a conservative faction=
With all due respect, Mr. Pearson, I would like to believe that this is not a “control” issue. We’re the ILGOP which is comprised primarily of Moderates and Conservatives.
It’s the obvioulsy ineffective few who see running the GOP as a power trip who are trying to take control by declaring it as one or the other.
Comment by Anonymous Friday, Nov 15, 13 @ 12:30 pm
- Powell -,
Let’s be real honest here. My Party is nowhere near any type of resloution if you have members of the HGOP thinking … not even doing … thinking … primaring another member of their own Caucus in a safe seat is “helping”, then to mislead anyone that the light at the end of tunnel is close, would be disingenuous.
I do not write for Chairman Dorgan, nor do I know who does, and for all I know, that could have been a remark out of hand. I get your displeasure at the comparison, and I will leave it up to others closer to all of this to visit your remarks. I will say, I applaud Chairman Dorgan’s job performance, and where he wants My Party to be going, and where we need to be.
I will leave it there.
Comment by Oswego Willy Friday, Nov 15, 13 @ 12:34 pm
And, BTW, my comment has absolutely nothing to do with Mr. Dorgan.
Also, I know it’s a “volunteer” position so we need to be grateful to anyone who is willing to try their hand at leading a somewhat dysfunctional little family. However, I don’t understand how it suddenly became the big, powerful ego trip that is has recently.
And we, as Citizens, should probably nip that. I’m sure it’ll stop alot of the bickering.
Comment by Anonymous Friday, Nov 15, 13 @ 12:36 pm
===for all I know, that could have been a remark out of hand===
Looks like it was a react to a question. They ask a lot of questions at the end of the speech.
Comment by Rich Miller Friday, Nov 15, 13 @ 12:37 pm
Chairman Dorgan is so focused on winning elections that he even has won them for Democratic friends while a Illinois GOP State Central Committeeman. Specifically, he recently acted to keep a young, vibrant female candidate off the ballot against a Democrat state legislature ally on the Northwest Sise of Chicago. It is an incident well and widely remembered in Chicago Republican circles. As a result, Chairman Dorgan’s credibility among Republicans in Chicago is shaky at best when he makes this pronouncement, as it obviously does not apply to all Republicans.
Comment by Perceval Friday, Nov 15, 13 @ 12:41 pm
Let’s do a quick comparison:
Chris Balkama gave a whopping $160 to an anti tax group in 2011 had now donated an extraordinary $500 more to two GOP groups since deciding to run.
Bert Miller has given well more than $120,000 to Republicans and business groups (IMA, Naperville Chamber, DuPage Business Council) and a total of $2,000 to Democrat candidates.
And if he gave to Obama in 2003 then that would have been in the Congressional race against Bobby Rush, not in the Senate or Presidential Race if I’m correct.
Not much of a comparison. Bert’s been a stalwart helping the GOP and Chris is a “johnny come lately.”
Comment by 4 percent Friday, Nov 15, 13 @ 12:41 pm
= I’m sure it’ll stop alot of the bickering.=
And very likely make the “frat boys” less popular–though I personally don’t understand why anyone would chase that lot in the first place.
Comment by Anonymous Friday, Nov 15, 13 @ 12:45 pm
==And if he gave to Obama in 2003 then that would have been in the Congressional race against Bobby Rush, not in the Senate==
Obama won the US Senate seat in 2004.
Comment by Roamin' Numeral Friday, Nov 15, 13 @ 12:50 pm
Here’s the problem. This is nothing but talk. he same Tea Party extreme right-wingers will win nominations because the party leaders don’t back more moderate candidates and use all of the party’s resources to win. The GOP in its current state is very unlikely to atttract new voters into the primaries. This takes effort. This takes reaching out to former GOPers and moderates. Words are words. What actions are being initiated to back up these words ?
“People who believe in one single issue, and will fall on the sword and lose an election because of one single issue, I don’t think are good political thinkers,” he said. “I really don’t. I respect what they say. I respect what everyone says.
“But because someone’s different or means something (different) or comes from a different part of town and they want to be Republican, the only thing I can say to them is, ‘Welcome.’”
Comment by AFSCME Steward Friday, Nov 15, 13 @ 12:50 pm
=== Chairman Dorgan’s credibility among Republicans in Chicago is shaky at best ====
Burn the witch!
as long as the GOP can keep those people out of its party everything will be great!
OW I am pretty sure you are one of those peple now….
Comment by Ghost Friday, Nov 15, 13 @ 12:56 pm
- AFSCME Steward -,
Agreed.
Proof will be in the Pudding, but that Pudding, is not the “instant” kind.
Going to take a load of preparation, ingredients, elbow grease, the right temperature and length of time to cook … that Pudding.
I like the recipe. A recipe is a good place to begin making that Pudding.
Agree with you - AFSCME Steward -, but I will wait to see how Chairman Dorgan makes the Pudding in the kitchen, as we all … are watching.
Comment by Oswego Willy Friday, Nov 15, 13 @ 12:58 pm
Just took a gander at Balkemas campaign filings and took me 5 minutes to notice one of his max individual donors is old Martin Ozinga III. Will Balkema returning that tainted money from a former Blago donor?
As for Dorgan, anyone else see that goofy story about the national GOP trying to line up a super Midwest GOP coordinated primary including Illinois for 2016, despite the GOP having no control over the primary process here? Perhaps Jack should give Reince a call explaining things?
Comment by hisgirlfriday Friday, Nov 15, 13 @ 12:58 pm
=as we all … are watching. =
lol My, my. That sounds so…”ominous.”
Comment by Anonymous Friday, Nov 15, 13 @ 1:06 pm
@Roamin…
Thanks for clarification - I couldn’t remember.
Comment by 4 percent Friday, Nov 15, 13 @ 1:30 pm
I appreciate Dorgnan and his desire to air the laundry and get back on track.
I am uncomfortable with the comparison of the ILGOP trouble with that of the Palestinians and the Israelis. Help me out, Chairman. Which one are the Palestinians?
I can accept the comparison as a rhetorical flourish - I just think there were better ones he could have used.
Keep up the good work. Let’s find good candidates for the ILGOP and get it back on track.
Comment by dupage dan Friday, Nov 15, 13 @ 1:36 pm
– As a result, Chairman Dorgan’s credibility among Republicans in Chicago is shaky–
And the credibility of Chicago Republicans is solid.
Going to take a lot of work there. The state party’s neglect over the years of maintaining any sort of real political organization in the city or county has left much of Cook to the Kooks. Wasn’t always that way.
I got on this guy’s list somehow. Here’s the 11th Ward GOP Committeeman. Definitely doesn’t need a big tent. More like a big net.
https://www.facebook.com/VoteSegvich45
Comment by wordslinger Friday, Nov 15, 13 @ 1:37 pm
Mr. Kirk has also been criticized recently (again) regarding his turn of phrase on a foreign policy issue to the extent that an article questioning his role as a GOP rep on foreign policy is spreading.
I wish he’d stop that. Many–at least in the past, seemed to agree with many of his positions on foreign policy. Continuing to support someone who says things like that makes this “awkward.”
Comment by Anonymous Friday, Nov 15, 13 @ 1:41 pm
Sorry. That obviously should have been “makes thiNGs ‘awkward.’”
Comment by Anonymous Friday, Nov 15, 13 @ 1:42 pm
=== comparing the ILGOP factions to that of a 60 year, violent and seemingly unresolvable situation between Israel and Palestinian====
Lighten up. He was asked a question and gave a sarcastic remark. He wasn’t comparing any group to either the Israel’s or Palestinians but to the seemingly impossible job of reconciling between the two.
Comment by Been There Friday, Nov 15, 13 @ 1:49 pm
There was a time, indeed, when you had powerhouse GOP Organizations. The issue then became like a good farm, once you let the soil go, the farm quickly follows.
Demographics, Patronage armies dwindling, and not backfilling those Organizations with leaders who could keep the lights. The Organizations never evolved. They just went away.
You can’t build upon new “leadership” tasked to make a party grow, that has as their mantra “like minded REpublicans”
What?
“liked minded Republicans”?
How about Republicans? Some of the building out there is more about weeding out diversity than adding.
Tons of work to do. The fields have tall plants but are they the stalks of growth, or the weeds strangling those other who hope to grow in the field?
Talking about what ails My Party, can lead to what can cure My Party.
Comment by Oswego Willy Friday, Nov 15, 13 @ 1:54 pm
=“liked minded Republicans”?=
Willy, you obviously missed the memo.
Most of us do in fact know that we have more in common than we don’t.
That’s been going for quite some time now–and I’m not talking days, months, or years. Our leadership *generally* over the last decade has been suffering from “savior” syndrome–and that’s what been hurting u.
Comment by Anonymous Friday, Nov 15, 13 @ 2:03 pm
Sorry. Obviously: “that’s what HAS been hurting uS.”
Comment by Anonymous Friday, Nov 15, 13 @ 2:04 pm
And when the heck did the GOP EVER have a “farm?” That is not in accordance with our values. For those lucky enough, we have “mentors”–and then good luck trying to pry the scepter out of their hands.
It’s who we are.
Comment by Anonymous Friday, Nov 15, 13 @ 2:20 pm
There are Republicans in Chicago? Who knew?
Comment by Anonymour Friday, Nov 15, 13 @ 2:51 pm
Oh, dear. Looks like someone’s having a tizzy fit. Again.
Comment by Anonymous Friday, Nov 15, 13 @ 3:02 pm
I wonder who Dorgnan is? And, why can’t I spell his name correctly?
Comment by dupage dan Friday, Nov 15, 13 @ 3:05 pm
I once thought he might be Oswego Willie, but very quickly realized that that can’t be right.
Comment by Anonymous Friday, Nov 15, 13 @ 3:11 pm
The City Club is filled with GOP insiders. I think this was a good forum to air some challenges for the Party.
Dorgan appears less idealistic and less ideological than his two recent predecessors — and more about winning.
Looking good so far, but we shall see.
Comment by walkinfool Friday, Nov 15, 13 @ 3:15 pm
Do. Not. Feed. Trolls.
Comment by Oswego Willy Friday, Nov 15, 13 @ 3:16 pm
GOP needs to return to its libertarian roots - and get the government out of our bedrooms, places of worship, personal choices, etc.
Comment by formerpolitico Friday, Nov 15, 13 @ 3:20 pm
Republicans who would disqualify a candidate for donating two grand to Dems ought to be riding Rauner out of town on a rail for donating many ti
es more to Dems. How about a single.standard instead of a flagrant double standard that kicks out a small donor while giving a giant donor a pass?
Comment by reformer Friday, Nov 15, 13 @ 3:24 pm
=Dorgan appears less idealistic and less ideological than his two recent predecessors — and more about winning. =
So we’re calling that “idealism” and “ideology?”
Mhmmm. Yes, you’re right. We should focus more on winning.
Comment by Anonymous Friday, Nov 15, 13 @ 3:40 pm
lol Looks like Tom’s on his way to visit, Willie.
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Comment by tax attorney Monday, Nov 18, 13 @ 9:26 am