CHICAGO - According to Chris Cleveland, Chairman of the Chicago GOP, the Chicago Democrats are attempting to take control of the Chicago Republican Party. In a press release, Cleveland wrote:
Democrats across the city are running for the position of Republican ward committeeman in Chicago in an apparent bid to extend their influence within the party.
In the 23rd ward, which is within Mike Madigan's state representative district, Robert Handzik has filed as a Republican. Handzik was among those who circulated petitions for Madigan's fake Republican opponent two years ago. He does not attend county Republican meetings and does not respond to calls or inquiries from the Republican Party.
In the other ward within Madigan's district, the 13th, an unknown candidate named "Gabriel Trejo" has filed. According to Board of Elections records, Mr. or Ms. Trejo has voted in the Democratic primary in the last four elections and has never voted in a Republican primary.
Of the 25 candidates who have filed as of 12:35 pm, 15 have Democratic voting histories. Nine have voted exclusively in Democratic primaries.
Even among those with recent Republican voting histories, a prior history of Democratic voting is evident.
The reason for this burst of activity is twofold.
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