Fellow Republicans,
Today marks my final Chairman's Memo, and with it, my last day serving as your State Party Chair. Over the past 3-1/2 years, I hope you've found these weekly updates helpful, and that my leadership has positively impacted you and our fellow Republicans across Illinois.
Serving as Chair of the Illinois Republican Party has been a challenging yet deeply fulfilling role. I've often joked it's the worst-paying job I've ever had, but also one of the most important.
In a time when politics is disparaged by many, I believe wholeheartedly in its importance—it's the alternative to resolving differences through conflict. Good politics preserve peace; bad politics can sow division and worse including war.
Reflecting on our time together, I take pride in what we've accomplished. In the past 3-1/2 years, we've doubled State Party operational capabilities and political infrastructure. We've bolstered election integrity efforts, improved voter data and turnout initiatives, enhanced training for Precinct Committeemen, Election Judges, and Poll Watchers, and initiated and maintained this weekly Memo.
No one in politics accomplishes anything for the common good without a dedicated team effort. I am incredibly grateful to our incredible staff; and, to the following who chaired key committees and/or served as officers: Mark Hosty, Mark Shaw, Rhonda Belford, Larry Smith, Laura Pollastrini, Jan Weber, Judy Diekelman, and our State Convention Committee Chairs.
I must also acknowledge the pivotal role of our Finance Committee, led by Vince Kolber, and its great members Richard Porter, Kathy Salvi, Lynn O'Brien, Brian Kasal, Mark Shaw, and Kari Galassi, who initiated and led our immensely successful Bank Your Vote Gala in Rosemont last February. Their work on fund raising has been instrumental in expanding our reach across Illinois.
I also thank all the hard working members of our Election Integrity Committee especially Carol Davis, Willard Helander, & John Ackerman. Finally, I was blessed with incredible RNC representatives. Thank you National Committeeman Richard Porter and National Committeewoman Demetra DeMonte for their decades of great service to the State Party
As I pass the torch to Kathy Salvi, I have full confidence in her leadership and her ability with your help to better unite the State Party. Kathy has been an invaluable asset to our Party, from her US Senate campaign in 2022 to her 3 ½ years of service on the Finance Committee. Her dedication to Illinois Republicans is unwavering, and I know she will excel as our new Chair.
While my tenure as State Chair concludes, my commitment to our cause remains steadfast. I will continue to help the Illinois Republican Party and support Republican candidates in Illinois and beyond, including the all-important mission of re-electing President Trump.
Thank you for the honor and privilege of serving as your State Party Chair, and for all that you do, and will do, to help elect more Republicans in Illinois and elsewhere..
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