As those who follow Republican politics know, the Establishment was outworked by those grouped around McHenry County State’s Attorney Lou Bianchi in the last Primary Election.
Andy Zinke
Bill Prim
Not only did Bill Prim narrowly beat Establishment-endorsed Chief Deputy Sheriff Andy Zinke, but enough people were elected Precinct Committeeman to allow the first outsider in over fifty years to gain control of the Republican Party.
The result was the election of former County Board member Sandra Salgado as County Chairman at the biennial convention.
It is at that convention where the side with elected committeemen having the most number of votes win control of the party apparatus for the next two years.
Mark Daniel
Sandy Salgado
Even before the Bianchi supporters energized supporters of township government with the proposal to consolidate townships, Mark Daniel, who was defeated by Salgado for GOP Chairman, and Geri Davis, the long-time Executive Director of the party, were actively seeking candidates, even (maybe especially) against leaders of the opposition.
With the deadline for filing Precinct Committeeman petitions being about a month off, activity on both sides is increasing.
The long-time Establishment is trying to re-establish its power.
Working with the supporters of township government is McHenry County Board Chairman Joe Gottemoller, who voted against allowing voters to have referendums on township consolidation.
Mike Walkup
Gottemoller’s opponent McHenry County Board member Mike Walkup is on the other side of the issue..
Anyone, of course, can run for Precinct Committeeman.
It only takes ten good signatures to get on the ballot, although I recommend candidates obtain twenty so they don’t get kicked off the ballot for lack of enough signatures.
And, if one uses two petition pages, number them 1 and 2 and staple them together with one’s Statement of Candidacy.
= = = = =
Any with questions is welcomed to shoot me an email.
