At the state convention on June 6 and 7th in Decatur, Illinois Republicans will have the opportunity to vote for two leadership positions in their state party -- Republican National Committeeman and Committeewoman.
Through news reports we've learned that retiring 18th CD Congressman Ray LaHood, DuPage County Board Chairman Bob Schillerstrom and that possibly State Senator Chris Lauzen (Aurora) may be interested in the position. Former State Senator Steve Rauschenberger of Elgin, who challenged current RNC committeeman Bob Kjellander back in 2004, has submitted his application for consideration.
We've learned over the past few days that three women are interested in succeeding retiring National Committeewoman Mary Jo Arndt: Carol Donovan, state central committee member from the 7th CD; Kathy Salvi, former Congressional candidate in the 8th CD; and Demetra Demonte, Tazewell County GOP Chairman.
These candidates must first submit applications to the IL GOP's nominating committee. The nominating committee, headed by State Central Committeeman Bobbie Peterson (11 CD) will oversee the process and committee members, appointed by their state central committeemen, will vote upon who they recommend to the IL GOP delegates. We don't know yet who these nominating committee members are, and we haven't been notified as to when we will know. Whatever decision this committee makes on Friday during the state convention will be recommended to the convention delegates on Saturday.
The duties and responsibilities of the national committeemen and women are to represent their states to the RNC and work to obtain resources for the state party's needs.
