Mark Shaw with GOP Candidates Clebek, Salvi and Dubiel
By Nancy Thorner -
The Lake County Republican Federation held its 60th Annual Spring Gala on Wednesday, June 1, 2022, at Chevy Chase Country Club, 1000 N Milwaukee Ave., Wheeling, IL 60090. The estimated attendance was 455. Mark Shaw is the Chairman of Lake County. Larry Falbe serves as president of the Lake County Republican Federation.
U.S. Senate Candidate Forum
Prior to the scheduled 7:00 p.m. dinner, a U.S. Senate Candidate Forum was held at 4:00 p.m. Of the six candidates running to defeat Democrat Tammy Duckworth in November, only three of them were on hand to participate in the Federation event: Casey Clebek, Kathy Salvi, and Matt Dubiel.
Mark Shaw introduced the candidates and set the rules for engagement: (1) a two-minute opening statement as to why I'm running; (2) 90 seconds to answer a question; (3) 30 seconds to respond to a comment perceived unfair; and (4) a two-minute closing statement.
Opening statements set the tone for the event. No rancor existed among the three candidates.
Casey Chlebec
Kathy Salvi
Matt Dubiel
Casey Clebek spoke of living the American dream as an emigrant from Poland, and his wish to repay back his gratitude by running for office. See info@caseyforsenate.com
Kathy Salvi wants to bring sound government back to IL and sees the need to reach out for the crossover vote to defeat Duckworth. See
Mathew Dubiel spoke of a nation in crisis, where there is a war from within with the wrong people representing us. See https://www.mattdubiel.com/
Mark Shaw addressed the following nine questions to each candidate, framing them as to how he/she would respond if successful in winning their bid for U.S. Senate against Democrat Tammy Duckworth.
There was very little difference among the candidates in how they responded to each question.
1. What would you do about the energy crisis?
2. What would you do about easing the inflationary spiral?
3. What is your plan to fix the broken immigration system?
4. Do you support the Freedom Fighters in Ukraine?
5. What is your position on Taiwan?
6. What is your position on federal government spending and taxes?
7. What about making Roe vs. Wade a federal law?
8. What about the catastrophe in Texas where children were murdered?
9. What about the CRT in schools?
Introduction of IL governor/Lt. governor candidates in attendance
While dinner was being served, state Republican Chairman Don Tracy, called on the following Governor/Lt. Governor candidates present to come on stage. Each candidate was given a few minutes to explain his/her position on key issues.
Gary Rabine (governor); Jesse Sullivan (governor); Kathleen Murphy (Lt. governor running with Sullivan); Avery Bourne (Lt. governor running with Richard Irvin); Paul Schimpf (governor); Darren Bailey (governor).
Bob Mao, Secretary of the Lake County Republican Federation, introduced Congressman Byron Donalds of the 19th Congressional District in Florida. Mr. Mao now lives in Florida, where Congressman Donalds serves as his congressman.
Rep. Donald (https://donalds.house.gov/about/ ) was sworn into the 117th Congress with Illinois' Rep. Mary Miller. In speaking about Speaker Nancy Pelosi, Donald described Pelosi as being committed to the Democrat agenda, a party that cares about its own agenda.
Byron Donalds spoke about the importance for Republicans here in IL to have a pathway, a strategy, to turn the page. Emphasized was the importance of winning over Chicago if victory is to be achieved here in the state.
Donalds noted that black pastors will listen to Republicans if they show up. By listening to black pastors and what plagues their communities, Republican candidates can then offer what they as conservatives can do for them.
The following additional ways were suggested by Rep. Donalds as a prescription to achieve victory.
- Visit small businesses: "Here is what we can do for you."
- Talk about providing safety on the streets and in communities.
- Talk about failing schools (education) and ways to improve underachievement, etc.
- Use the bully pulpit to explain why the best ideas for Illinois are conservative ones.
- Capture the passion of young people who are growing up in the state and staying in Illinois.
Other thoughts expressed by Rep. Donalds
- Of importance are the candidates elected to office. Some say they are conservative, but when elected their promised conservative message is forgotten. A candidate must be able to be willing the express the crazy ideas that are coming from Democrats.
- Florida used to be a blue state 40 years ago. Good leadership turned the state around.
- Never forget the foundation on which our nation was founded: political liberty, economic liberty, and religious liberty.
- We can have a better Illinois if we stand for values, what we are for, and then take this message to the people.
Milton Stewart award
The Milton Stewart award was presented to Patrice Ronczkowski by Chris Bos, her IL District 51 Representative, for her dedication and service to the Lake County Republican Federation.
