By Illinois Review
Illinois Republican State Sen. Dan McConchie, 26th Dist., announced on Monday that he would be resigning from the legislature on February 2nd to lead the nonprofit organization, Accessibility Policy Institute – but it’s his recommendation to replace him that’s causing concern amongst Republican circles.
According to GOP State Rep. Martin McLaughlin, 52nd Dist. – McConchie is recommending that IL GOP chair Kathy Salvi’ son, Joseph, replace him as the next state senator.
McConchie served a brief term as the Senate Minority Leader, but resigned from his position after Republicans were humiliated in the 2022 general election.
During the pandemic, McConchie supported the expansion of COVID-19 vaccinations for vulnerable populations and he sponsored legislation to protect health care providers from being held responsible for COVID-19 related deaths and injuries.
In a letter to Republican Township and Executive Committee Members in the 26th District late Monday, McLaughlin expressed uneasiness about this appointment, writing,
“I must express concern about his recommendation of the party chairwoman’s son for this position. This raises concerns about nepotism and insider politics—issues that Republicans have rightly criticized Democrats for engaging in.”
Salvi’s son is a virtual unknown in political circles, and sources confirm with this publication that the state party chairwoman has been lobbying hard behind-the-scenes for her son to be named as a state senator. Many believe that she is using what little influence she has over state party matters to ensure that her son gets the appointment.
The state party chairwoman has been ineffective since taking over the reins of the party this past Summer after her friend and former IL GOP chair Don Tracy – who has deep Democratic connections and was a Never Trumper – resigned in disgrace.
To date, the IL GOP has no fundraising, get out the vote or grassroots outreach plan in place. And instead, Salvi prefers to travel across the state giving hugs instead of providing direction and leadership.
Since last evening, some party officials – who wish to remain anonymous – have shared with this publication that if Salvi spent as much time trying to rebuild the broken Illinois GOP as she has lobbying for her son to become the next state senator – that the party would be in much better shape.
According to McLaughlin’s letter – a zoom meeting with local party officials is planned to begin vetting candidates. Several other candidates plan to announce their intentions for the office in the next few days.
Stay tuned to Illinois Review for more information as it becomes available.
