DuPage County Republicans -

Petition drive in full swing

Hello Fellow Republicans!

The petition drive is in full swing and I hope you are out getting those signatures. All of our Republican candidates are looking to you for your help. Never has it been so important for us to work together to help change the direction of this state and to ensure our local candidates get elected. The democrats did us no favors with the State re-districting but that should not stop us from keeping Du Page red!

I would like to thank you for your efforts and your willingness to give time and self on behalf of the Republican Party. We have many offices that will be on the ballot which start at the President, move down to Congress, the State Senate and the State House. For the county we have the State's Attorney, the Recorder, the Coroner, the Clerk of the Circuit Court and the Auditor. All of the County Board members and all of the Forest Preserve members are there too. Let's not forget the most important........the Township Committeemen!

Please fill a page for our officials and candidates. You should get 20 signature for yourself as the committeeman. Knock on those doors, say hello to your neighbors and inform them of these great Republican candidates they should be voting for. Candidates for the Primary Election will have to file with election authorities between November 28 - December 5, 2011. Let's get this finished while the weather is still good and the candidates will know what they have on hand.

If you have any questions give us a call at the Headquarters.

Thanks,
Randy Ramey
Du Page County Republican Chairman

Randy Ramey - DuPage GOP Chairman

Fellow Republicans,

At the July 18th DuPage County Republican Central Committee meeting, Randy Ramey was unanimously elected by his fellow Central Committee members to lead the DuPage Republican Party.  Upon being elected Chairman Ramey expressed that he is , “grateful for the support of my colleagues and I look forward to working together to build an even stronger DuPage County Republican Party."

Chairman Ramey thanked Chairman Dan Cronin for his years of devoted service to the party. When speaking about the challenges ahead Ramey emphasized, “The upcoming 2012 primary and general elections are extremely important as Illinois and America face serious economic challenges. It is imperative that the Republican message of smaller government, lower taxes and job growth is delivered to DuPage County voters. I am ready and excited to get started."

Chairman Ramey has served as a precinct committeeman for the past 20 years, and has served for two terms as Chairman of the Wayne Township Republican Organization and another two terms as its Vice-Chairman. Additionally, Chairman Ramey has served since 2005 as State Representative for the 55th Legislative District.

In his four terms as a member of the Illinois General Assembly, Representative Ramey fought against all tax increases, especially the recent income and business tax increases.  Representative Ramey has advocated countless ways to save the state money since arriving in Springfield. This past year, Representative Ramey negotiated a bill to ensure local governments are given the lowest possible price for all publications they are required to put in print.  Ramey was also instrumental in last year’s bill putting together the reforms for the DuPage Water Commission.

Ronald Reagan's 100th Birthday

As we commemorate President Reagan’s 100th birthday on February 6, we should reflect on how this native son of Illinois still impacts our country – and our world - today.

One characteristic of Ronald Regan that is often overlooked was his prescience. He warned against the evils of communism as early as the 1950s. While other world leaders extolled its benefits, Reagan was unequivocal in his stance against communism. In 1982, he claimed that “…freedom and democracy will leave Marxism and Leninism in the ash heap of history.” He was right. Through his actions, Reagan not only defended the western world, but unchained hundreds of millions of people from the cruel grip of communist dictatorships.

He warned against big government. One of his oft-repeated lines that “Washington doesn’t have a revenue problem…it has a spending problem” has never been more true than it is today. The federal budget deficit will reach $1.5 trillion this year, more than the last federal budget Reagan signed in 1988. The burden of paying for a massive federal government continues to weaken our economy and over leverage future generations.

He warned against rising terrorism. In 1981, he pledged “to confront the scourge of international terrorism.” Despite appeasement from other world leaders, Reagan took bold action to fight terrorism in every corner of the globe.

Reagan also possessed qualities that seem lacking in today’s leaders: a sense of humor, thick skin, a cheery disposition.

He influenced many of us who serve in public life today. His legacy may be, in his words, “our last best hope.” Happy Birthday to “The Gipper.”

Republican Principles Will Carry GOP Through November

The following is a column written by DuPage GOP Chairman Dan Cronin

The year 2010 may be an historical year for many reasons; some positive, some not so encouraging. A prolonged recession has wreaked havoc on homeowners, small businesses, corporations, government and every institution that relies on the fruits of capitalism for any measure of success. No one has been immune to the impact of this weakened economy.

Cynicism and frustration are widespread. A recent poll indicates that a whopping 80 percent of Americans do not trust the federal government. Nearly 2/3rds of Americans believe their taxes will increase over the next year. It’s estimated that the public debt will reach 90 percent of GDP in only ten years. Unemployment remains high, especially in Illinois, and underemployment is more than 20 percent.

Public distrust isn’t limited to government. People are wary of other industries such as banks and large corporations. Everywhere you turn, someone has a hand in your pocket. Americans have had enough. People across our state are rallying against higher taxes, spiraling debt and more government intervention.

The November elections look promising for Republicans, particularly here in Illinois. A silver lining in the dark cloud of public pessimism is that the fundamental ideals of the Republican Party are again gaining traction. After decades of unyielding government encroachment, most people now recognize that this is not the solution to the economic or political problems we now face.

But it isn’t enough for Illinois Republicans to capitalize on the dark mood of the current political climate. We need to do more. We need to say more. And we need to offer more. All of us must prove to wary voters that they should vote for Republicans not simply to oppose the other party, but because we have the ability to dramatically change the trajectory of our state and local government.

We can’t waste time defining the other side. Illinois voters are smart; they already know what the opposition has to offer and they aren’t persuaded. We need to spend the next six months telling voters why Republicans are fit to lead. What is the loose thread we will pull to unravel the unending seam of big government?

The mainstream media is fond of portraying Republicans as the “Party of No.” I suggest we become the “Party of Know.” Republicans know that lowering taxes and reducing the burden of government will boost the economy. Republicans know that more individual freedom will salvage the remains of a dispirited electorate. Republicans know that making promises we cannot keep are contrary to what Americans are all about.

Here in Illinois, the debate should be elevated above regional concerns. For too long, Illinois Republicans have been divided between suburban and Downstate interests. This is an opportune time to heal those differences and work collaboratively on the ideas that bring our voters together. The Republican ticket reflects every constituent group in our state, from Downstaters to suburbanites to women to minorities. We have a story to tell and the voters need to hear it.

On the second of each month, leading up to Nov. 2, this page will offer ideas about how we can ably win on Election Day. We should win based on principle and not power. I’m seeking to address the following:

• How to begin to reduce the size and cost of government;
• How to attract employers and create an environment conducive to economic growth;
• How to consolidate efforts to deliver services in a cost effective manner;
• How to involve new voters to the Republican Party.

Yes, it’s important for Republicans to win. But it’s important to win on the strength of our ideas, not the weakness of our opposition. We have a unique opportunity before us to fundamentally change the future of Illinois. There is no time to waste and I’m hopeful this roadmap will lead us in the right direction.

Chairman's Update - February 10, 2010

Dear Fellow Republican:

This year is shaping up to be a victorious one for Republicans across the country. According to recent polls, Republicans now lead Democrats in generic ballot tests for the first time in several years. The number of people identifying themselves as Democrats is at its lowest level in nearly a decade and voters trust Republicans on nine out of ten key issues.

In Illinois, we have a chance to deliver the Senate seat formerly held by President Obama to Republican control. Furthermore, we have experienced and principled candidates up and down the ballot. Although we have yet to determine with certainty whether the Republican gubernatorial candidate will be Kirk Dillard or Bill Brady, I feel confident that either of my colleagues from the Senate will be a formidable opponent against Pat Quinn.

Yet it’s important that our political good fortune doesn’t rely on the misfortune of either the Democratic Party or the economy. We need to articulate a clear message of fiscal responsibility, economic growth and accountability to taxpayers. We need to offer voters solutions to our critical problems and demonstrate that Republicans have the will and the ability to lead.

Furthermore, it’s important that we do not engage in the type of divisive intra-party politics that can jeopardize our chances for victory this November. Now is a time for unity and collaboration among the candidates and elected officials. While we may not agree on every issue, we should be able to agree that Republicans are better qualified to resolve the formidable challenges ahead.

It’s an exciting time to be a Republican and I look forward to working with all of you as we head towards the November election. Should you have any questions or would like to help the DuPage County Republican Party this election year, please call our headquarters at 630-653-7200.

Sincerely,


Senator Dan Cronin
DuPage County Republican Party Chairman