Cross lays out plan for GOP Revival

Leader pushes GOP makeover

House Republican chief hopes party can unify, take advantage of state Democrats' squabbles

Monday, September 17, 2007

BY KAREN McDONALD

OF THE JOURNAL STAR

EAST PEORIA - Illinois House Minority Leader Tom Cross says Illinois government needs a makeover, and Republicans should take advantage of the opportunity to repair images and come together on important issues.

Cross, R-Oswego, sent that message to about 170 Republicans attending a Tazewell County GOP event on Sunday at East Port Banquets called "Festival at the Harbor." The annual dinner event, designed to bring Republicans together, also featured numerous local elected officials and the three Republican 18th District congressional candidates.

Feuds and failures among the Democrats, despite that party's current control of state government, have given Republicans a reason to be optimistic that they can rebound next year, Cross said. He also acknowledged his party is not without its own troubles.

"It is probably as worse or as bad as it has ever been in Illinois government," Cross said. "There is a clear distinction right now in this state between Democrats and Republicans unlike there has been in a long, long time. On top of that, they can't work together, nor can they do their business."

A legislative session that was supposed to end May 31 dragged on well into summer, and some issues remain unresolved. Tax and budget issues are fueling factions between and within the parties.

Cross encouraged Republicans to seize the chance to work together as a party among all the squabbling. He said the keys to success will be repairing the GOP image, team building and encouraging the involvement of young people in government to lead the future.

"We fight too much. We fight among ourselves too much. We can't give up," Cross said.

Event organizer Demetra DeMonte, chairwoman of Tazewell County's Republican Party, said the event is an opportunity for active Republicans to get together, meet the candidates, shake their hands and learn a little bit more about them.

This year's event was especially interesting because of the upcoming race to fill the seat being vacated by U.S. Rep. Ray LaHood in January 2009. Three Republicans so far have thrown their hats in the ring - John Morris, Jim McConoughey and Aaron Schock. No Democrats have formally announced a candidacy.

Morris called himself a "conservative Republican" who will take his past experience at the local level - both as a former Peoria city councilman and as vice president for development at WTVP-TV, Channel 47 - to the national level and bring "more central Illinois to Washington D.C."

McConoughey, CEO of Heartland Partnership, said more collaboration and cooperation is needed in Washington. He would work to create an environment with more jobs and prosperity to keep the area alive and attractive to the younger generation.

On the campaign trail, McConoughey said constituents are upset with divisions in Congress and feel disconnected from state government. They're looking for the next congressman to have strong leadership and integrity, he said.

Schock, who serves in the Illinois House, discussed his proven, established voting record and his ability to advocate for taxpayer interest on both sides of the aisle.

Tazewell County Board member Linc Hobson said such events are important especially for Morris and McConoughey, who he said don't have as much name recognition as Schock.

"This is the first time we've had a primary in the congressional district with no heir apparent," Hobson said. "Pretty much everybody in this room is going to vote in the primary, so it really gives the candidates a chance to talk to people in depth."

Karen McDonald can be reached at 686-3285 or kmcdonald@pjstar.com.