HRO Background

In the fall of 2002, the House Republican Caucus made a decision that there needed to be a change in the way we functioned as a caucus. Upon the election of a new Leader of the Republican Caucus, we have made many much needed reforms and changes. Our top priority was to incude more members and therefore, more ideas, in the decisions and policy making of the legislature. Further efforts included decentralizing the power of the leaders. So far, we're happy to say, that it has worked well. We've been able to and will continue to strive to come up with new and innovative solutions to old challenges.

A significant part of the reforms that have been implemented was to completely segregate our legislative responsibilities from our political aims. To do this, we created the newly formed House Republican Organization (HRO) in early 2003. In the past, this type of organization was controlled solely by the caucus leader. Instead, we have taken a different approach and have decided to create a separate committe of four House members who will steer our efforts including fundraising, candidate recruitment, and strategic campaign planning as we strive to gain back the majority in the House. This new way of doing business in Illinois, not only involves more members in the process, but ensures decisions are being made by individuals representing both geographically as well as ideologically diverse areas. We think that we have found the right formula.

Another innovative step that the House Republicans have made is the inclusion of non-elected, citizen members to the Board of Directors of HRO. We feel that this added perspective will greatly benefit all aspects of our operation from fundraising to campaign planning. This furthering of our committment to changing the "way things are done" in Illinois politics will continue was we move towards the majority in the House.

Ultimately, to be successful, we will need support from all Republicans, whether it be financial, volunteer time, or ideas on issues that are important to all of us. We encourage you to contact us at our office if you have any questions or thoughts on what you can do to help us increase the Republican membership in the House. We look forward to working together with you as we head towards the majority.

Respectfully,

Tom Cross
House Republican Leader

Skip Saviano
Chairman
House Republican Organization