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*** UPDATE *** Sun-Times…
It appears Cook County Commissioner Tim Schneider will take on the role to lead the Illinois Republican Party without a challenge.
Schneider’s potential challenger, Blair Garber, notified Illinois Republican gubernatorial candidate Bruce Rauner that he is pulling his name from contention, a source close to Rauner said. Garber reached out to Rauner, saying he would not oppose Schneider in what was to be an election to succeed Jack Dorgan scheduled for Saturday.
* From a press release…
Statement from Jack Dorgan and Bruce Rauner on ILGOP Chairman’s Race
CHICAGO - The following statement was released today from Jack Dorgan, Chairman of the Illinois Republican Party:
“Today, I am proud to announce that I will be joining Bruce Rauner’s Team as a Co-Chair of his Finance Committee. I will continue with the Illinois Republican Party as a member of the State Central Committee in the 5th District. However, with these new dual roles, I will no longer be able to run for re-election as chairman of the Party.
“It has been my great honor to lead the Illinois Republican Party as chairman over the last year, helping position our candidates across Illinois for an incredible victory this November. Our Party is exactly where I had hoped it would be: firing on all cylinders and ready to deliver a new direction to the people of Illinois.
“I believe that Tim Schneider is the best person to succeed me as Chairman. He understands exactly what it will take to spread the Republican Party’s message of more jobs, better schools, and value for tax dollars.
“Bruce and I look forward to working closely with Tim in the months ahead. We trust he’ll do a great job.”
Bruce Rauner today issued the following statement regarding Illinois Republican Party Chairman Jack Dorgan and the upcoming chairman’s election:
“Jack Dorgan has been an extraordinary Chairman, and he will be a great partner in our campaign. I’m honored he’ll be a part of the team. I applaud Jack’s service to the Illinois Republican Party over the last year and look forward to working with him to defeat Pat Quinn in November.
“As we work to shake up Springfield and bring back Illinois, I can think of no one better to be our next Chairman than Tim Schneider — a small business owner, fiscal conservative and proven reformer. Tim has served at the forefront of the fight against cronyism, corruption and fiscal irresponsibility in Cook County - and I know he will be an unmatched spokesman across the state for our pro-growth, pro-reform vision for Illinois.”
* The Daily Herald is the only news outlet that went much beyond the press release…
Blair Garber of Evanston, who sits on the committee from the 9th Congressional District, is the only other candidate.
But Schneider’s backing from both Rauner and Dorgan gives him a clear advantage going into Saturday’s vote. […]
Dorgan was first elected to the post a year ago following the resignation of Pat Brady of St. Charles, who was nearly ousted from the job after lobbying state lawmakers to vote for same-sex marriage.
* Meanwhile…
It’s no secret that the national GOP is going to put some money behind the party’s nominee for governor here, Bruce Rauner, although Mr. Rauner has plenty of his own to spend on the campaign. But now comes word that the Republican National Committee is hiring 193 field staffers nationwide, boosting a variety of data collection and analytical tools and even springing for campaign offices as part of a Victory 365 program.
“The Illinois implementation of the program means several field offices around the state, advanced voter-contact technology, and a renewed focus on reaching out to new Republican voters,” the Illinois Republican Party said in a statement. Democrats “have taken the people of our state for granted for far too long,” added Illinois GOP Chairman Jack Dorgan.
In follow-up phone calls, officials aren’t offering any more details yet about exactly what will be spent and where. And, as is usual in such cases, the big decisions and financial commitments likely will wait until the fall, when insiders have a better idea which races are winnable and which are lost causes.
But the party already has dispatched a well-respected operative here to act as Illinois victory director, Tony Esposito. A staffer also has been assigned to help embattled downstate Congressman Rodney Davis, R-Champaign, hang on to his job.
posted by Rich Miller
Tuesday, May 13, 14 @ 9:52 am
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This is what happens when it looks like the nominee can win. Ship jumped.
Comment by VanillaMan Tuesday, May 13, 14 @ 9:59 am
–But the party already has dispatched a well-respected operative here to act as Illinois victory director, Tony Esposito.–
He’s a proven winner alright, just could never get past the Canadiens for the Cup.
Comment by wordslinger Tuesday, May 13, 14 @ 9:59 am
I want to thank Mr. Dorgan for taking on a job, doing it with great political skill and class, and leaving My Party better off than when you found it.
There are no torches. The pitchforks are nowhere to been seen. There is an understanding that growth means inclusion, and you did that without tearing My Party in two.
You saw Oberweis leave the SCC, as did Clarke. You aided in a transition that includes your replacement not being seen as a time for Civil War, but a time of Civil discourse. That in of itself is a legacy few who proceeded you could claim.
I would have liked for you to stay, but it is quite understandable as to why you won’t, can’t, and didn’t.
Yeoman’s work. You can’t be thanked enough for taking the helm. “You are relieved”, Captain, thanks.
Comment by Oswego Willy Tuesday, May 13, 14 @ 10:01 am
You know the man is a legend, Blackhawks goalie and now Illinois victory leader….but Word is right, just couldn’t get past the Habs for the Cup
Comment by Abraham Froman Tuesday, May 13, 14 @ 10:07 am
Looks to me like he got promoted to a more important position.
Comment by A guy... Tuesday, May 13, 14 @ 10:13 am
===Looks to me like he got promoted to a more important position.===
Oh yeah, because Raunerites are struggling to raise money, lol.
Comment by Oswego Willy Tuesday, May 13, 14 @ 10:16 am
We really needed Dorgan at the GOP helm for at least another year. He just began plugging leaks and bailing out the boat, but it doesn’t appear to be sailing very well yet. Maybe the push will eventually come from Rauner.
Schneider is a nice, responsible guy, but lacks a lot of the political skills, background, and contacts of a Dorgan. He’s from suburban Cook, which can be a plus strategically.
Comment by Walker Tuesday, May 13, 14 @ 10:19 am
=== Oswego Willy - Tuesday, May 13, 14 @ 10:16 am:
===Looks to me like he got promoted to a more important position.===
Oh yeah, because Raunerites are struggling to raise money, lol.===
The intellectual veracity of your comment just astounds. What in the world makes you think Dorgan won’t still have plenty to do with the State GOP? They’ve just moved the trigger point.
Comment by A guy... Tuesday, May 13, 14 @ 10:32 am
Dorgan is still on the SCC, your Dopey response to your naive statement that Co-Chairing a self funding candidate who can also get $300K, himself, with a couple calls.
Dorgan didn’t move for a better gig with Rauner.
Comment by Oswego Willy Tuesday, May 13, 14 @ 10:36 am
Is that the same TIm Schneider who sold the family golf course to the Cook county FP after he was elected to the Cook COunty Board?
Comment by frustrated GOP Tuesday, May 13, 14 @ 10:39 am
Will Tim remain as cook county commissioner?
Comment by Wumpus Tuesday, May 13, 14 @ 10:49 am
Embattled Congressman Rodney Davis, R-Champaign???? Well, he is from Taylorville and not quite sure how he is “embattled.”
Comment by Wally Tuesday, May 13, 14 @ 10:54 am
Though Schneider runs the Hanover Township GOP, he hasn’t been able to defeat Rep. Crespo (D), who represents most of the township, or Sen. Noland or former Rep. Farnham. In other words, he isn’t going to be leading by example.
Comment by Anon Tuesday, May 13, 14 @ 11:17 am
The opposite of the usual fire drill atop the state GOP. Dorgan leaving a job he doesn’t particularly want and he will remain very influential in the party. Schneider is low-key but well-regarded, even by the right.
Rauner showing he’s got the savvy to take hold of the party apparatus (such as it is) and get things in shape before July 4th.
There is a great deal of behind the scenes anger among the far-right, but it is not universal. Many of the usual suspects are just as eagerly sucking up to Rauner in anticipation of possibly sharing the spoils of a win.
And the calculus is clear…Rauner believes, rightly, that his moderate positioning will win back more suburban moderates, especially women, than it will lose single-issue social conservatives.
Comment by Adam Smith Tuesday, May 13, 14 @ 11:22 am
Rauner has his own operation. He just wants a state party that will sit quietly and not interfere with the Rauner brand and message. Definitely don’t want to run the risk that state party chiefs will push awkward conservative issues like pro-life stuff or anti-gay marriage talk. Schneider will be that guy who will sit quietly just like Dorgan did. It’s Rauner’s gig now. State GOP is irrelevant beyond an attractive bulk mail rate permit.
Comment by too obvious Tuesday, May 13, 14 @ 11:25 am
=== Oswego Willy - Tuesday, May 13, 14 @ 10:36 am:
Dorgan is still on the SCC, your Dopey response to your naive statement that Co-Chairing a self funding candidate who can also get $300K, himself, with a couple calls.
Dorgan didn’t move for a better gig with Rauner.===
Yes he did. And surprisingly…no one, nary a soul asked for your advice. That’s what happens when you become a predictable Macaw. Cute for a minute, irritating thereafter.
Comment by A guy... Tuesday, May 13, 14 @ 12:36 pm
===Yes he did.===
No, he didn’t. It’s called a face-saving move.
Get real. He wanted to stay on as chairman.
Comment by Rich Miller Tuesday, May 13, 14 @ 12:38 pm
===Yes he did. And surprisingly…no one, nary a soul asked for your advice. That’s what happens when you become a predictable Macaw. Cute for a minute, irritating thereafter.===
Dorgan left the ILGOP Chairmanship to be Bruce’s Co-Chair?
That’s why? And, it’s for a “Promotion” that Dorgan is taking?
Your parallel universe seems swell, I might visit!
Why do you think it matters if anyone listens to me.
News Flash - no one listens. I comment here to comment, you are not my. “Audience”. I am the “Daily Southtown” and their motto.
Dorgan didn’t leave to take the Co-Chair for Rauner.
Comment by Oswego Willy Tuesday, May 13, 14 @ 12:43 pm
How I feel about it…
===I would have liked for you (Dorgan) to stay,…===
It is, what it is.
Comment by Oswego Willy Tuesday, May 13, 14 @ 12:45 pm
Rauner already has a powerhouse finance team. He’s not just a self-funder. He’s been raising big money everywhere.
Comment by wordslinger Tuesday, May 13, 14 @ 12:51 pm
- wordslinger -,
Apologies. Got too “shorthand” in my response …
===…Co-Chairing a self funding candidate who can also get $300K, himself, with a couple calls.=
“…Co-Chairing a self funding candidate who can also get $300K, himself, with a couple calls, through his existing finance committee.”
My bad.
Comment by Oswego Willy Tuesday, May 13, 14 @ 12:55 pm
So Dorgan will be to Rauner what john wyma was to blagojevich. That’s awesome!
Comment by Anon Tuesday, May 13, 14 @ 1:09 pm
So Saturday’s just a coronation. Perfect for our new King Bruce.
Comment by too obvious Tuesday, May 13, 14 @ 1:50 pm
If Schnieder “will sit quietly just like Dorgan did” why should Dorgan be replaced?
Comment by Colour My World Tuesday, May 13, 14 @ 3:42 pm
===Rich Miller - Tuesday, May 13, 14 @ 12:38 pm:
===Yes he did.===
No, he didn’t. It’s called a face-saving move.
Get real. He wanted to stay on as chairman.====
It may still turn out to be a better gig. I don’t doubt for a second that you have very direct info on this. I imagine you don’t doubt that there’s more than one company line on this one.
Comment by A guy... Tuesday, May 13, 14 @ 4:31 pm
The only one saving face in this Post is you, lol.
===Looks to me like he got promoted to a more important position.===
Really is…
===It may still turn out to be a better gig.===
This move is what it is. ===turn out to be=== is just Spin.
=== I imagine you don’t doubt that there’s more than one company line on this one.===
Company line is not reality. Sorry.
Comment by Oswego Willy Tuesday, May 13, 14 @ 4:40 pm
I think dorgan and Schneider should both be replaced. Great news, the election has not been held yet.
Comment by ironman Tuesday, May 13, 14 @ 4:48 pm
Whats funny Anon is this is Crespo’s last term. TS was too friendly with Brian McGuire aka Baby Huey and that prevented TS from taking Crespo out. This time will be different HO will vote Republican and Freddy will be a casualty. The recent election of Steve “Barney Fife” Carmelli will do little to save Crespo. HO is sick of Crespo’s say one thing and do another. I hope he has kept up his real estate license
Comment by Scott L Wednesday, May 14, 14 @ 11:17 am
Who is HO?
Comment by Anon Wednesday, May 14, 14 @ 7:40 pm