Sunday night, Republican state Representative Jeanne Ives hosted a sizable crowd of supporters in her hometown of Wheaton. She's on the 2018 GOP primary ballot challenging incumbent GOP Governor Bruce Rauner. Illinois Review contributor Nancy Thorner was on hand at one of several events Ives has been appearing at over the past few weeks …
By Nancy Thorner -
The Republican Assembly of Lake County, Illinois, held its Christmas party at J & D's Bar & Grill in Wauconda, IL. on Saturday evening, December 2nd, 2017. The RALC is a grassroots organization made up of Ronald Reagan conservatives who believe in small government, lower taxes, free market capitalism, strong defense, the right to life, and the support of the US. Constitution in the tradition of the Founding Fathers. Attendance at this year's RALC Christmas party was the largest ever, numbering 85 members and guests.
Bob Bednar, Chairman of the RALC, introduced featured speaker Jeanne Ives, who is running as a conservative Republican challenger to Governor Bruce Rauner. Check out Ives For Illinois.
Meet Jeanne Ives
Jeanne Ives served as a Representative in the Illinois State House (42nd District), which includes all or portions of Wheaton, Warrenville, West Chicago, Winfield, Carol Stream, Lisle and Naperville. Ives was first elected in 2013, until she was “drafted” in the fall of this year by the state’s grassroots Republican base to challenge incumbent Governor Bruce Rauner. While serving in the Illinois House Ives demonstrated not only a willingness to lead on difficult issues and question powerful House leaders, but she also gained an insightful understanding of policy.
As a West Point graduate of the Class of 1987 with a Bachelor of Science in Economics, Jeanne Ives went on to serve in the U.S. Army. Her assignments included platoon leader and headquarters detachment commander for transportation units in Germany and ROTC instructor at Wheaton College. Ives resigned from the Army in 1993 to raise her children, while working as a tax advisor and bookkeeper for small businesses and individuals.
It was on October 28, 2017, that State Rep. Jeanne Ives announced she would challenge incumbent Governor Bruce Rauner. Her running mate is former State Rep. Richard Morthland of Cordova, lllinois. Unlike other candidates who have been collecting signatures since early September, Ives and her choice for lieutenant governor had a late start. Despite this late state, State Rep. Jeanne Ives announced officially Sunday night, December 3, 2017, in an invitation-only gathering in her home district that she would be a candidate for governor in the March 2018 Illinois Republican Party primary. She was introduced to the crowd by her running mate, former State Rep. Rich Morthland from the Rock Island area.
If you still have some doubts or misgivings about Jeanne Ives running on the Republican ticket to unseat Republican governor Bruce Rauner, this article, due for publication at National Review on 2017-12-17, titled "Bruce Rauner's Illinois Breakdown," describes Rauner's unacceptable performance as Illinois' governor during his first term in office.
"When Governor Bruce Rauner of Illinois announced in October that he would seek reelection in 2018, he released a two-minute campaign video. It shows the Republican wearing blue jeans and a black leather vest as he rides his Harley-Davidson motorcycle from Chicago to Springfield, the state capital. “Four years ago,” he says in a voiceover, “I crisscrossed our state, looked people in the eye, and promised to fight business as usual.
This boast came about a month after Cardinal Blase Cupich accused him of breaking his word and the Chicago Sun-Times put his picture on its front page, below a headline that shouted: “Benedict Rauner.” The governor’s offense was to have signed what may be America’s most radical abortion-funding law after vowing to veto it. The betrayal capped a season of defeats for conservatives, including an income-tax hike, a big bailout of Chicago’s public schools, and turning Illinois into what critics of illegal immigration are calling a sanctuary state."
Jeanne Ives comments on state of Illinois
Candidate Ives was received with much enthusiasm by RALC members and friends. As Jeanne stated, the catalyst for her gubernatorial challenge was not only Rauner’s signing of a bill to expand taxpayer-funded abortion coverage for women on Medicaid, but also the provision to increase funding to Chicago Public Schools.
When serving in the Illinois General Assembly, Ives fought for school choice and Right for Life. She also opted out of both a taxpayer funded pension and healthcare, as both pension and state group health insurance have greatly contributed to budget pressures and both need reform.
In relation to Governor Rauner, “He has basically discredited himself as a Republican. He’s signed into law very extreme measures. The man who said he had no social agenda ended up having only a social agenda.”
Ives related, when elected to the House in 2013, how both the Illinois House and the Senate had super majorities making it possible for Democrats to pass anything they desired. At the time Ives wondered how things could get any worse than they already were. When Bruce Rauner ran as a reform candidate in 2014, Ives helped to elect Rauner to lead his promised revolt. But instead of Rauner fulfilling his campaign promises, Ives instead experienced betrayal. As Ives said:
“Rauner has basically discredited himself as a Republican. He’s signed into law very extreme measures. The man who said he had no social agenda ended up having only a social agenda, having enacted the same economic and social agenda of his buddy Rahn Emmanuel.”
Ives questioned what we have at the end of three years and listed the negatives as high taxes, more debt, and many people exiting Illinois for a better economic climate. Noted by Ives was new data in the deterioration of Illinois' tax base. In 2017 Illinois experienced a loss of nearly 42,000 tax returns to other states representing 86,100 individuals at a net loss to Illinois of $4.75 billion in adjusted gross income. Continued Ives: "Because Illinois became a sanctuary state under Governor Rauner, Illinois is less safe." In what was a huge disappointment to Ives and conservatives state-wide was the signing by Rauner of HB-40 which sanctions tax payer funding of abortions. Instead of reforming our Medicaid system, Gov. Rauner expanded it. Ives further revealed that Illinois ranks 48th in the nation on serving those with developmental disabilities.
As to Governor Rauner being elected to a second term, Jeannie Ives was insistent that Rauner can't win in the November 2018 General Election, for no amount of money can win back Republicans who feel betrayed by Rauner.
Jeanne Ives as a candidate
In speaking of herself as a former army officer and graduate of West Point, Ives informed her audience that she lives by the West Point Code and that she can be counted on not to lie, cheat, or steal, nor does she tolerate others who do so. In the House, Ives opposed tax increases, big government bailouts, and stood up for conservative values when other House members were not willing to doing to.
Ives then spoke about the work of grassroots Republicans in turning in 16,000 signatures in only four weeks. This included 520 circulators of petitions in 64 counties. Ives noted that where ever she goes in Illinois she receives a warm reception, an indication that voter motivation is high for Ives, in contrast to the rejection of Rauner by Illinois voters.
Campaign promises made by Jeanne Ives
- Property taxes would be cut, not frozen. Property taxes in Illinois are out of control. Home owners end up renting from the government.
- Spending would be cut. Ives, when serving in the House, did propose and filed bills to cut spending.
- On day one a task force would be formed to detect and prosecute public corruption in Illinois. Mention was made by Ives of the corruption in the Cook County Assessment System. Governor Rauner was given the vehicle to lead on this issue, but he didn't follow through.
In closing, Ives wants Illinois to be a place which our families can call home for many generations to come.
Republican Secretary of State, Joshua Griffin
Following Jeanne Ives, Joshua Griffin spoke about his credentials as a Republican candidate to unseat Jesse White, Secretary of State.
Joshua Griffin expressed his disgust of Illinois in its status as a failed state. Regarding Jesse White, having served a total of 40+ years in public elected office, Jesse represents "the machine" politics which operates within Illinois. As such, said Griffin, we need fresh voices in Springfield and around the state. Voices that will stand up to the establishment every time they attempt to set the status quo back in place. No longer can we allow our elected officials or political parties to dictate the rules and reap self-dignified personal gain from their highly coveted political perches. Joshua Griffin's impressive bio is noted here.
A native of Chicago, IL, Joshua “J.C.” Griffin was born on the city’s south side and raised in the both the western and southern suburbs of Cook County. is a veteran of the U.S. Air Force, and the 4th generation of military serviceman from his family. After a distinguished military service from 2007 – 2012, Griffin achieved the rank of Senior Airman prior to receiving an honorable discharge in 2012. Griffin also holds Impressive business credentials.
RALC Officers
Bob Bednar, Chairman
Glenn Garamoni, Vice-Chair
Mike McKay, Treasurer
Mary Biron, Secretary
Bob Cook, Executive Director
Lake County Legislators and Officials Present at December 2 event:
- Adam Solano - Candidate – State House District 62
- Jeanne Ives – State Rep. District 42 - Candidate – Governor
- John Reinert – McHenry County Board District 2 – Candidate State Senate District 32
- Doug Bennett — Candidate US House District 10
- Mark Shaw – Lake County Republican Central Committee Chairman
- Larry Falbe - Lake County Federation President
- Jeri Atleson - Fremont Township Trustee
- Tom Weber - Lake County Board – Candidate State Rep. District 64
- Marty Zeidman – Moraine Township Republican Chairman
- Mark Curran, Lake County Sherriff
- Bob Bednar – Candidate for Lake County Board, District 6
- Glenn Garamoni - Fremont Township Republican Chairman
- Nancy Kubalanza – Grant Township Republican Chairman
- Marjorie Kubalanza – Lake County Central Committee Chairwoman
- Connie Shanahan – Fremont Township Trustee
The new RALC Meeting location is Fremont Public Library located on 1170 Midlothian Road, Mundelein IL. Meetings are held at 7:00 p.m. on the 3rd Thursday of every month. The next meeting will be on Thursday, January 18th.
We stand with you Jeanne!
Yesterday, Jeanne Ives had her campaign kickoff party in Wheaton…hundreds of enthusiastic supporters showed up to cheer her on!!! It turned into a standing room only event when she addressed the attendees.
What I found very fascinating about the event was the united coalition assembled. It consisted of Republican regulars, Christians conservatives, TEA Party activists, and President Trump supporters.
The concensus at the event was that Bruce Rauner was unelectable in the GOP Primary…no questioning that fact.
As a former Bruce Rauner supporter, I am calling on him to do the honourable thing and withdraw from the race. It is best to do so and retain a semblance of dignitity and not suffer the rest of your life with the knowledge that you were thrown out of office by your own party…against a “fringe” candidate and her supporters.
I believe that once Bruce Rauner sees some real poll numbers in the not to distant future…showing him getting crushed by Jeanne Ives, he will do the honourable thing and withdraw. I could not see him wasting millions of his money with nothing to show for it at the end except for a humiliating loss. Needless to say that those politicos that surround him will not want him to do so…they all crave his money.
Illinois desperately needs and wants a real leader that will be in charge.
Anyone who votes for Benedict Rauner at this point needs a rectal x-ray, if they want to locate their head…
Not Me
Bruce Rauner needs to support Jeanne Ives for Governor. With his money and Jeanne Ives morals she will win the election for Governor.
God Bless Jeanne Ives
Carl Lambrecht
847 471 8210
Illinois has real Americans to vote for Jeanne Ives.
People are tired of tax and spent Madigan and Cullerton.
The first step I agree with you is for Jeanne Ives to win the primary.
Moral have meaning.
God Bless Jeanne Ives
Carl Lambrecht
Pretty lame that the only argument that Rauner shills can present to conservatives is that he might possibly be able to thwart the redistricting plans of the Madigan super-majority, assuming that he might even want to.
My thoughts
It seems unlikely that Bruce Rauner can win ina two person race. He barely win last time in a four person race. Jeannie Ives seems to have large support from the base of the Republican Party.
I notice commenters speak boldly in comments above yet they don’t give their name. As in the past, I call on Illinois Review to not allow comments without names of real people. Many of these people are trolls, possible Rauner employees, democrat opperatives, and people who comment on capital fax, a site where nobody gives their names.
Last time I supported Dan Rutherford, switched Bill Brady. Finally I switched to Bruce Rauner who had a good plan. He did not live up to it and lost support.
This time I’m supporting Jeannie Ives. My opinion is she is the best candidate and best chance to beat the democrat nominee.
It’s too bad that Bruce’s buddies helped make it that way and Bruce has decided to make it ever more so. And that’s why Bruce is going to be fired.
I rarely come here because people do not use their real names…
This is America and I have a real problem with Americans that feel like they have to hide when they give their opinions.
Instead of people being scared…they should get fighting mad to do something about it. It is shameful.
Put a fork in Bruce Rauner…Jeanne Ives will crush him in the GOP Primary. No doubt in my mind…NONE.
Amen, Carl Lambrecht!
Yea, go against Team Profit and his smear machine kicks into action… That’s why I don’t want to reveal my name. I am not independently wealthy and I value my job, which Team Profit’s minions would try to take away from me for speaking against the savior of Illinois Gop. See the history of Thomas Paine’s Common Sense and see that Anonymous speech has a long and proud history in American political discourse.
How can Jeanne Ives win? Using another question to answer my first question, how can Governor Rauner win? As Mark Weyermuller wrote, Jeanne has a huge Republican base of support, while Rauner polls very poorly among Republican voters other that those delusional Republican who vote for any Republican who has an “R” after his or her name to keep the status quo.
Even though Rauner gave the Democrats most of what they wanted, why would Democrats vote for Rauner when they can vote for the real thing. In that Rauner will not debate Ives is quite telling. Rauner is evidently afraid of debating Jeanne.
Jeanne pitted against Pritzer next November would be a real eye opening, as even Democrats will find Pritzer’s extreme progressive policies too liberal for them. In addition, there are scandals in Pritzer’s background which will become public knowledge.
Just a few clarifications, Glenn Garamoni introduced Jeane Gives and quite a few elected officials and candidates , including myself, were missing off the list.
Proft’s certainly NOT the person conservatives in Illinois should be admiring just because he’s witty on the air.
I get your hesitation to publicly criticize him. He will go to great lengths to humiliate and demean you if you dare challenge him. That’s why so few people know exactly what he’s like.
The real problem is that what he’s saying about the party is right. the IL GOP needs to change its brand. Or maybe it needs to act Republican, not Raunerian. That’s rudderless.
Proft is not exactly a model of conservative virtue. He is also a campaign consultant and he is more than happy to take dirty money like he did working for the hoodlums in Cicero years ago.
A fresh start is better than no start. Jeanne can at least explain how messed up Illinois is to the voters and explain to the voters why that’s going to detriment them eventually. What’s Pritzker going to run on? More programs that he’s going to have to raise taxes to pay? Taxes got raised big time under Bruce so he could “move on” for reelection. How can Bruce run on it again? He can’t.
Easy to throw dirt when you won’t use your real name…what a coward. Your parents must be so proud.
Truly sad excuse. SMH.
What’s your excuse Joe? Are you a fan boi and koolaid drinker of the Dan Profit meat grinder machine. Trust me, those who really know, know that Jeanne is just a puppet on a string for Dan and Dan is not what he appears to be. Dan is no friend of the true Republican cause
A Client of Team Profit…
http://articles.chicagotribune.com/2008-09-25/news/0809242317_1_town-pacts-school-districts
Dan Profit buddy Mr. Larry Dominick
https://www.bettergov.org/news/more-misconduct-alleged-in-cicero