By Nancy Thorner -
At the Republican Assembly of Lake County's Ronald Reagan Dinner last Saturday, Illinois Republican National Committeewoman Demetra Demonte encouraged attendees of dark times in the late 1970s. After the failed Jimmy Carter presidency, a great leader stepped up, Demonte said.
It was none other than Ronald Reagan from Illinois that did what needed to be done to return faith in the American dream.
Demonte's own involvement in politics began when she was a mother of two young girls and became tired of listening to the Clinton scandals. Electing to walk in a parade launched her political career of activism in politics.
In 2016, Demonte co-chaired the Trump campaign in IL.
Demetra DeMonte (r), husband Tony (c) and Mayor Eleanor Sweet McDonnell (l)
Demetra's presentation: "America is Worth Fighting for"
Said Demetra, "At the very core of this nation are the liberties that have been granted to Americans by God. These rights have been preserved in our Constitution."
For her grandparents, immigrants from Greece, it was a land of opportunity where nothing was impossible. Demetra's father even served as a precinct captain on the far side of Chicago.
Speaking about the dark times this nation is facing today with inflation, rampant crime in cities, high gas prices, open borders, Demetra referenced another dark time in this nation. After the failed Jimmy Carter presidency a great leader stepped up, Ronald Reagan, to do what needed to be done to return faith in the American dream.
Demetra's own involvement in politics began when she was a mother of two young girls and became tired of listening to the Clinton scandals. Electing to walk in a parade launched her political career of activism in politics.
Demetra urged all present to step up and answer the calling. As Demetra suggested, "The Left can't be trusted. And we can't rely on Senator Manchin."
"We must take back the U.S. House and the Senate. We must also elect Republicans in the "Land of Lincoln" in the mid-term elections in November. Then in the second red wave, we must put Republicans back in the White House in 2024."
Implied Demetra: "We have a good list of candidates. It is up to us to make winning a reality. We must be willing to fight and not be passive by-standers."
“We must don our armor and raise our shields. March in parades and be willing to help candidates, but don't be discouraged if your candidate doesn't win.”
“Remember that the American Dream is the gold standard. It is worth saving and must be saved for future generations.”
The RALC, headed by Glenn Garamondi and founded by the late Colonel Raymond True, is an affiliate of the Republican Assembly of Illinois.
The purposes and objectives for which the RALC is organized are to promote conservative political philosophy by educating the public and promoting the election of conservative candidates to public office.
Conservative political philosophy is not defined as the position on any one issue, although it is the consensus of the founding members that conservative political philosophy consists of support of the Republican platform, including, but not limited to:
1) Limited government that complies with the United States Constitution and the original intent of the founding fathers of the United States of America,
2) Low taxes that allow working people to keep what they earn,
3) Pro-Family and Pro-Life policies on abortion,
4) The right of law-abiding gun owners to keep and maintain firearms in accordance with the Second Amendment of the United States Constitution,
5) The RALC believes that no child should be left behind in acquiring the best possible education and thereby supports Charter Schools, opportunity scholarships to private and parochial schools, homeschooling and accountable public schooling.
Participating elected officials and candidates
- Demetra Demonte, Illinois Republican National Chairwoman
- Eleanor Sweet McDonnell, Cuba Township chair and Mayor of North Barrington
- Robert Tomei, CLC Trustee
- Glenn Garamoni,, Fremont 117 Committeeman
- Bonnie Quirke, Libertyville committeeman
- Samantha Uhl, Warren Township GOP Chairman and Comitteeman
- Donna Johnson, Mayor Libertyville
- Dan Sugrue, Green Oaks Trustee
- Jim Hawkins, Avon Township Committeeman
- Don Castella, Precinct 294, Vernon Hills
- Patrice Ronczkowski, Ela 86
- Dianna Solano, Avon Township committee person
- Thomas Brasuell, Avon Township
- Mark Shaw, Chairman of Republican Party in Lake County and member of the Central Committee of Illinois.
Don Castella (l), Lieutenant Gov Candidate Stephanie Trussell (c) w/husband William (r)
Judge Noverini with wife Saray
Candidate for US Senate Kathy Salvi w/husband Al
GOP candidates included:
- Gary Rabine, Governor candidate
- Judge Daniel Shanes, IL Supreme Court candidate
- Joseph Severino, IL 10th District candidate
- Stephanie Trussell, Lt. Governor, Darren Bailey, candidate
- Justin Kaechele, County Board, D-6, candidate
- Mark Vice, Lake County Sheriff, candidate
- Peggy Busceni Grady, Lake County Board, candidate
- James Mitchell, Lake County District 15, candidate
- Rod Drobinski, Lake County Circuit Judge, candidate
- Adam Solano, State Senate 31, candidate
- Peter Pettorini, House 61, candidate
- Kathy Salvi, U.S. Senate, candidate
- Ant Simonian for John Van Dien, Lake County Sheriff, candidate
- Judge John Noverini, IL Supreme Court, candidate
- Kathleen Murphy, Lt. Candidate with Jesse Sullivan, candidate
