July 12, 2024 SPECIAL EDITION – SALVI ELECTED

SPECIAL EDITION – SALVI ELECTED

ILLINOIS REPUBLICAN PARTY
— Kathy Salvi Elected Chair of the Illinois Republican Party
https://illinois.gop/kathy-salvi-elected-chair-of-the-illinois-republican-party/
(FROM THE PRESS RELEASE: Today, The State Central Committee of the Illinois Republican Party elected Kathy Salvi as the next Chair by acclimation, with a start date of July 19th in accordance with outgoing Chairman Don Tracy’s resignation.  Chairman Tracy released the following statement following the election of the new Chair: “Congratulations to Kathy Salvi for taking on this challenging yet important position to build a brighter future for Illinois. Republicans in this state are united behind President Trump and understand that the Biden/Pritzker agenda is wrong for our families. We will show in Milwaukee this week that we are unified in purpose – to make this state and this country great once again with a message of hope and prosperity for the future.”)
— Illinois Republican Chairwoman-Elect Kathy Salvi Statement
https://illinois.gop/category/news/
(FROM THE PRESS RELEASE: Following today’s vote by acclamation to elect Kathy Salvi as the next Chair of the Illinois Republican Party, the Chairwoman-Elect released the following statement: “It is an honor to be recognized by my fellow Illinois Republicans as the next Chair of the Illinois Republican Party. As we prepare to nominate the next President of the United States, Illinois stands as a testament to what Democrat governance can do: out of control cost of living, rampant crime, and rife with corruption. Illinois Republicans will stand and fight for our conservative ideals and set this state, and nation, back on the right track. Thank you Chairman Tracy for your commitment to this State and our Party.”)

CAPITOL NEWS ILLINOIS
— National Committeeman Richard Porter looks ahead to GOP convention as party names new state chair. – PETER HANCOCK
https://capitolnewsillinois.com/news/national-committeeman-richard-porter-looks-ahead-to-gop-convention-as-party-names-new-state-chair
(FROM THE ARTICLE: Republicans will gather in Milwaukee next week for what promises to be a historic national convention. Former President Donald Trump will be nominated for the third consecutive time as the party’s presidential nominee, the first major party candidate to win nomination that many times since Franklin Roosevelt. And if he’s successful in the fall campaign, he’ll be the first American president since Grover Cleveland to serve two nonconsecutive terms. But amid the speeches, the cheerleading, the flag-waving and balloons, the Illinois Republican Party hopes for an opportunity to send its own message to the nation. “We want people to see a party that’s on the swing up,” Richard Porter, the state party’s national committeeman, told Capitol News Illinois during a podcast interview this week. “We’ve been in a long dry spell.” This year will mark Porter’s third convention as national committeeman, a senior post within the state party and a post he has held since 2014 (2010?). He and National Committeewoman Demetra DeMonte serve as the state party’s representatives to the Republican National Committee, as well as the RNC’s liaisons with state and local GOP organizations. It can be a difficult job in a reliably Democratic state like Illinois, where no Republican presidential candidate has won since George H.W. Bush in 1988. Democrats currently hold all statewide elected offices, both U.S. Senate seats, 13 of the state’s 17 seats in the U.S. House, and supermajorities in both chambers of the General Assembly. This year in particular, though, Porter said Illinois Republicans need to make a positive impression because just a few weeks after the GOP convention in Milwaukee, Democratic Gov. JB Pritzker will play host to the Democratic National Convention in Chicago. “And so we’d like to show what the future of Illinois can be,” Porter said. “A future of freedom and renewal, where Illinois becomes a place where you want to raise a family again, build a business. Because right now people are leaving. And there’s no reason why that should be. Illinois is the heart of the country and has all sorts of natural advantages. It’s just not been governed well.” This year’s convention, however, comes at a challenging time for the state party. On June 21, less than a month before the start of the convention, state party chairman Don Tracy announced his plans to resign from that job by the end of the convention due to “intra party power struggles, and local intra party animosities.” “In better days, Illinois Republicans came together after tough intra party elections,” Tracy said in his announcement. “Now however, we have Republicans who would rather fight other Republicans than engage in the harder work of defeating incumbent Democrats by convincing swing voters to vote Republican.” During a closed-door meeting Friday, party officials met and elected Kathy Salvi, of Mundelein, as the new chair beginning July 19, the day after the RNC concludes. Salvi, who ran unsuccessfully for U.S. Senate against Democrat Tammy Duckworth in 2022, was chosen over two other candidates for the job: state Rep. John Cabello, of Machesney Park; and Aaron Del Mar, of Palatine, a party activist who ran unsuccessfully for the GOP nomination for lieutenant governor in 2022. Tracy struck a different tone in a Friday statement, congratulating Salvi and saying the party is “united behind President Trump.” “We will show in Milwaukee this week that we are unified in purpose – to make this state and this country great once again with a message of hope and prosperity for the future,” he said in the statement. At the national level, meanwhile, Republicans also face a unique challenge with their nominee, who will be the first convicted felon to win a major party’s presidential nomination. Trump was found guilty in May on 34 felony charges for paying hush money to cover up a prior affair with the adult film actress Stormy Daniels. Trump has also been indicted on other felony charges stemming from his attempts to overturn the results of the 2020 election and the mishandling of classified documents. Much like Trump himself has done, however, Porter brushed aside those issues as politically motivated. “I think they’re all seen as being part of a broader plan, which is to try to use the legal system to squelch political competition,” he said. “They recognize that Donald Trump has an enormous appeal, particularly with constituencies the Democrats used to (attract) such as labor, such as the Hispanic community, such as the Black community.” Listen to the full interview with Richard Porter on Capitol Cast wherever you get your podcasts. ( https://soundcloud.com/user-592090129-621623053/richard-porter-on-the-rnc-capitol-cast-july-12-2024 ).)

CHICAGO SUN-TIMES
— Time for a reset? Illinois Republicans enter GOP convention with a new leader — and old divisions. The convention will mark a coming-out party for Kathy Salvi, who faces the challenge of rebuilding a party incrementally decimated by failed statewide campaigns, division within its ranks — and Gov. J.B. Pritzker’s vast fortune bolstering Democratic supermajorities. – Tina Sfondeles and Mitchell Armentrout
https://chicago.suntimes.com/politics/rnc-2024/2024/07/12/republican-national-convention-milwaukee-illinois-gop-reset-kathy-salvi

DAILY HERALD
— Republican Party names Kathy Salvi state chair; National Committeeman Richard Porter looks ahead to GOP convention.
https://www.dailyherald.com/20240712/news/republican-party-names-kathy-salvi-state-chair-national-committeeman-richard-porter-looks-ahead-to/

JOURNAL & TOPICS
— After Contentious State Party Convention, Illinois GOP Names Kathy Salvi As New Chair. Palatine Republican Committeeman Aaron Des Mar, 1 Of 3 Chair Finalists, Says Salvi Will ‘Help Heal Party’ – Tom Robb
https://www.journal-topics.com/articles/after-contentious-state-party-convention-illinois-gop-names-kathy-salvi-as-new-chair/

ABC7
— Kathy Salvi elected new Illinois Republican chair after Don Tracy’s resignation
https://abc7chicago.com/post/illinois-republican-party-elects-kathy-salvi-new-chair/15054462/

WGN9
— Illinois Republican Party elects Kathy Salvi as new chair. – Lourdes Duarte, Alonzo Small
https://wgntv.com/news/politics/illinois-republican-party-elects-kathy-salvi-as-new-chair/

FOX32
— Illinois GOP selects Kathy Salvi as new state chairwoman. – Paris Schutz
https://www.fox32chicago.com/news/illinois-gop-kathy-salvi-chairwoman
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-8W2jA_TQ-I

WTTW
— Illinois Republicans Select Kathy Salvi as New State Party Chair – Erica Demarest
https://news.wttw.com/2024/07/12/illinois-republicans-select-kathy-salvi-new-state-party-chair

LAKE FOREST PATCH
— Former Candidate For Senate, Congress Picked As New Chair Of Illinois Republican Party. Following Don Tracy’s resignation, Illinois GOP officials selected a new leader ahead of next week’s Republican National Convention. – Jonah Meadows
https://patch.com/illinois/lakeforest/new-illinois-republican-party-chair-be-picked-three-finalists

CAPITOL FAX
— Afternoon roundup
https://capitolfax.com/2024/07/12/isabel%e2%80%99s-afternoon-roundup-118/
(FROM THE DEMOCRAT PARTY OF ILLINOIS: “We are not surprised to see the ILGOP pick a far-right extremist to sit at the head of their party. However, we are surprised that they chose someone whose draconian views on abortion will almost certainly drag down their entire Republican ticket. The ILGOP is littered with anti-abortion extremists, but it is now chaired by someone who once opposed abortions for victims of rape, saying, ‘abortion only adds insult to injury.’ The election of Kathy Salvi is not just a threat to the ILGOP’s ill-fated ticket, but to women all across our state. Kathy Salvi’s extreme stances on healthcare, immigration, and women’s rights are fundamentally at odds with the values of Illinois working families. Salvi will fit right in with the modern-day ILGOP as she is no stranger to losing elections. We defeated Kathy Salvi and MAGA extremism across Illinois in 2022, and we are more determined than ever to combat the ILGOP’s far-right agenda at the ballot box this November. While the ILGOP is in turmoil, we are focused on electing leaders who will enhance access to affordable healthcare, defend reproductive rights, and promote inclusive policies that benefit all Illinoisans.” MILLER: Kathy Salvi, who was the unsuccessful Republican nominee for U.S. Senate against Sen. Tammy Duckworth in 2022, has consistently aligned herself with far-right ideologies that Illinois voters have repeatedly rejected. Her failed Senate run underscores the state’s rejection of her regressive policies. Now, as the new ILGOP Chair, Salvi’s leadership threatens to drag the party even further into the depths of extremism, away from the values that define our diverse and inclusive state.)

FROM ILLINOIS CENTER-LEFT SOURCES

CHICAGO TRIBUNE
— Here’s how Milwaukee — a heavily Democratic city — is feeling about welcoming thousands of Republicans for the party’s convention. – ROBERT CHIARITO and MITCH SMITH
https://www.chicagotribune.com/2024/07/12/milwaukee-democrats-republican-national-convention/
— Pro-Palestine DNC protesters win route within ‘sight and sound’ of convention, but still want tweaks. – JASON MEISNER and JAKE SHERIDAN
https://www.chicagotribune.com/2024/07/12/pro-palestine-dnc-protesters-win-route-within-sight-and-sound-of-convention-but-still-want-tweaks/
— Democrat leaders ever-increasingly push minorities to be pot pushers.
https://www.chicagotribune.com/2024/07/12/illinois-touts-diversity-in-pot-industry-but-new-owners-say-they-need-financial-help/

ABC7
— Trump taps celebrities to speak at RNC, including Savannah Chrisley and Dana White
https://abc7chicago.com/post/trump-taps-celebrities-speak-rnc-including-savannah-chrisley/15054149/

NBC5
— Republicans use Democratic squabbles to their advantage ahead of RNC in Milwaukee. The RNC is in Wisconsin, a battleground state that political insiders see as key to winning the White House. – Mary Ann Ahern
https://www.nbcchicago.com/news/local/republicans-use-democratic-squabbles-to-their-advantage-ahead-of-rnc-in-milwaukee/3487987/

WBEZ
— Democrats crow about their success in manipulating/dominating young people.
https://www.wbez.org/politics/2024/07/12/young-biden-delegates-in-illinois-make-the-case-for-him-to-stay-in-the-race

SOUTHERN
— Biden’s post-debate struggles could drag down Democrats in tough races. – ABC
https://southernillinoisnow.com/2024/07/12/bidens-post-debate-struggles-could-drag-down-democrats-in-tough-races-heres-how-theyre-responding/

FOX ILLINOIS
— Polling since debate shows Trump gaining an edge over Biden. – AUSTIN DENEAN
https://foxillinois.com/news/beyond-the-podium/polling-since-debate-shows-former-president-donald-trump-gaining-an-edge-over-president-joe-biden-2024-election-politics

ILLINOIS
— Democrats ever-increasingly push minorities to be pot pushers.
https://www.illinois.gov/news/press-release.30208.html

FROM ILLINOIS CENTER-RIGHT SOURCES

WILL COUNTY GAZETTE
— Balich on drug bust of foreign nationals: ‘Illegals are not better than citizens and do not belong here’
https://willcountygazette.com/stories/661778187-balich-on-drug-bust-of-foreign-nationals-illegals-are-not-better-than-citizens-and-do-not-belong-here

ILLINOIS POLICY INSTITUTE
— CHICAGO SCHOOL SPENDING NEARLY DOUBLES AS SCORES DROP – Kurtis Karg
https://www.illinoispolicy.org/chicagos-education-formula-is-to-spend-more-see-students-do-worse/

FROM NATIONAL CENTER-RIGHT SOURCES

WASHINGTON TIMES
— Doctor at center of president’s health troubles so close to Biden clan that his objectivity doubted. – Susan Ferrechio
https://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2024/jul/12/doctor-at-center-of-presidents-health-troubles-so-/
— How the IRS let Trump’s tax returns be stolen. – Stephen Dinan (COMMENT: In 1977, when I had been an IRS employee for 6 years, Money Magazine selected me to be the subject of one of its “One Person’s Finances” articles because it intended to and did paint my education deductions as being improper.)
https://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2024/jul/12/how-irs-let-donald-trumps-tax-returns-be-stolen/

WASHINGTON EXAMINER
— Pro-Palestinian protests set to embroil Chicago Democratic National Convention. – Breccan F. Thies
https://www.washingtonexaminer.com/news/3080175/pro-palestinian-protests-set-embroil-chicago-dnc/

NEW YORK POST
— With terrorists streaming in via Biden’s open borders, it’s time to repeal NY’s sanctuary-city laws. – Robert Holden
https://nypost.com/2024/07/12/opinion/with-terrorists-streaming-in-via-bidens-open-borders-its-time-to-repeal-nys-sanctuary-city-laws/

BREITBART
— The Dismantle DEI Act would eliminate such practices in the government and terminate DEI offices “throughout every single agency” in the federal government, Rep. Michael Cloud (R-TX) said during a Wednesday appearance on Breitbart News Daily. – HANNAH KNUDSEN
https://www.breitbart.com/politics/2024/07/12/exclusive-rep-michael-cloud-dismantle-dei-act-would-target-federal-government/

DAILY CALLER
— Biden’s Official Photos Are Full Of ‘Broad Scale Doctoring,’ Yet White House Complains About ‘Cheapfakes’ – LEENA NASIR
https://dailycaller.com/2024/07/12/joe-biden-white-house-photos-broad-scale-doctoring-cheapfakes/

FOX NEWS RADIO
— NYC Shelters House 65k Illegals
https://radio.foxnews.com/2024/07/12/nyc-shelters-house-65k-illegals/

FROM NATIONAL CENTER-LEFT SOURCES

FORBES
— Democrats ever-increasingly use DEI to get rid of Republicans.
https://www.forbes.com/sites/lenwoodvlongsr/2024/07/12/60-years-of-progress-the-civil-rights-act-and-the-unfinished-journey/

POLITICO
— House Dem tells Biden directly: Time for someone else to lead. It happened during a virtual meeting between the president and the political arm of the Congressional Hispanic Caucus, and the host ended it shortly after, according to a person familiar with the matter. – NICHOLAS WU and SARAH FERRIS
https://www.politico.com/live-updates/2024/07/12/congress/hispanic-caucus-to-meet-with-biden-00167820

Author: David Diersen

The opinions that I express in GOPUSA ILLINOIS emails are based on experience that I have gained doing many things since 1948. I base my opinions on what I learned a) working for the federal government for almost 30 years -- Post Office 1966-1969, IRS 1971-1980, and GAO 1980-1997, serving on the Executive Committee of the Association of Government Accountants Chicago Chapter 1983-1996, and being a union member while I worked for the Post Office and IRS; b) earning an MBA from Loyola in 1976, a masters degree in accounting from DePaul in 1980, and a masters degree in financial markets and trading from IIT in 1997; c) passing the CPA examination on my first attempt in 1979 and passing the Certified Internal Auditor examination on my first attempt in 1981; c) serving as a Republican Precinct Committeeman since 1999, the GOPUSA Illinois Editor since 2000, the TAPROOT Republicans of Illinois Chairman 2005-2012, a member of the 2008 Illinois Republican Party (IRP) Platform and Resolutions Committee, a Wheaton Chamber of Commerce Government Affairs Committee member 2003-2011, the Milton Township Republican Central Committee webmaster 2008-2010 and 2000-2004, an Illinois Center Right Coalition Steering Committee member 2003-2007, and an American Association of Political Consultants Midwest Chapter board member 2001-2004; d) attending the 2000, 2004, 2008, 2012, and 2016 IRP State Conventions as a delegate; e) being the subject of a nasty 4-page article in the February 1978 issue of Money Magazine; f) pursing litigation including Diersen v. GAO and Diersen v. Chicago Car Exchange; g) being married since 1978; h) living in Crete 1948-1972, in University Park 1972-1976, in Chicago 1976-1978, and in DuPage County, Milton Township, and Wheaton since 1978; and i) being baptized, raised, and confirmed as a Missouri Synod Lutheran.