By Mark Weyermuller -
Illinois Governor Bruce Rauner spoke to the New Trier Republican Organization last week at their 77th annual fall dinner. The event was held at the Allgauer's on the Waterfront in Northbrook, Illinois. We dined on classic caesar salad, marinated grilled Alaskan salmon, grilled asparagus and Chicago style cheesecake for dessert.
It was a "who's who" of Republicans hosted by newly-appointed New Trier Township GOP Committeeman Mark Levine with former IL GOP state party chairman Pat Brady acting as master of ceremonies.
The evening event opened with students doing the pledge of allegiance followed by many elected officials, candidates, and supporters.
Later dinner was served with a bunch of speakers on the agenda, starting with Governor Bruce Rauner who hails from Winnetka. After a standing ovation, the governor gave uplifting remarks about his Turnaround Agenda and holding firm in negotiations with Democrats in Springfield. He was followed by newly-elected Congressman Darin LaHood representing the 18 District out of Peoria.
Other speakers included State Senate Minority Leader Christine Radogno, House Minority Leader Jim Durkin, State Comptroller Leslie Munger and John Tillman from Illinois Policy Institute.
A couple of other highlights included the announcement of Joan McCarthy Lasonde from Wilmette, who is challenging Democrat Jan Schakowsky for the 9th District Congressional seat. Former Winnetka Village President Jessica Tucker announced she will be running for state representative in the 18 district against Democrat Robyn Gabel. Diane Shapiro attended and reminded us of being the top Republican vote getter in Cook County in the last cycle. She is challenging the troubled Democrat Dorothy Brown for clerk of the circuit court. Brown has been in the news lately for a possible FBI investigation.
Weyermuller with Congressman Darin LaHood and GOP candidate Dan McConchie
Another up and coming Republican star running for Illinois state representative was in the house. That is Jillian Rose Bernas currently on the Schaumburg Library Board and running in the 56th House district. Her next petition walk is this Saturday with more information at votejillian.com.
Other notables in the room included Mel Thillens, candidate for Illinois House 28, Herb Schumann, candidate Water Reclamation District, Judge James Pieczonka, Dan McConchie, candidate for Illinois Senate District 26, and RNC National Committeeman Richard Porter. Former New Trier Committeemen T. Tolbert Chisum. Dave Brown, and Bill Cadigan also attended. Township Committeeman from neighboring township committees included Blair Garber, Char Foss Eggemann, and Ruth O'Connell.
A new conservative group was introduced called "The Policy Circle." The group was started here in Wilmette, Illinois but expects to spread nationwide very quickly. Their mission is to create circles across the nation that bring together women living in the same community to discuss and learn from the fact based research about policies that affect free enterprise and the values of freedom and liberty which impact all of us. The group was started by Sylvie Legere with two friends after her work with AEI's National Council and participation in their policy seminars. More information can be found at thepolicycircle.org.
Watch from big things to come out of the New Trier Republican Organization including slating and supporting candidates in these next elections cycles. People are excited about the new leadership of committeeman and chairman Marc Levine.
Save the date for the NTRO Endorsement Meeting on January 30, 2015 held at 9:00 a.m. at the Wilmette Community Recreation Center. More information on this and the organization can be found ntro.org.
