CLINTON - The second Illinois county Republican organizations has called for Chairman Pat Brady (photo right) to resign. Passed Thursday night, the Clinton County GOP's resolution calls for Brady to step down, and the 17th CD's State Central Committeeman Bob Winchester to officially call for Brady's resignation. County Chairman Marc Hoffman will transmit the resolution Friday.
Clinton County GOP Western Vice-Chairman Doug Gruenke told Illinois Review the resolution's passage was because Brady undermined the ILGOP platform when he lobbied state senators to support same sex marriage legislation during the recent lame duck session.
"We did not adopt this resolution due to Mr. Brady’s personal opinions," said Gruenke. "We adopted this resolution because he cannot be the flag bearer of the Illinois Republican Party when he undermines the party platform, which was adopted by a majority of the Illinois Republican Party. It was also our committee’s opinion that we will not ever return to power if we abandon our principles and become more like the Democrats."
"I agree with Mr. Brady’s comment that our party cannot be viewed as the party of old white men. However, the avenue to avoid this stereotype is not to compromise principles, the avenue to avoid the stereotype is to promote and encourage our next generation of young conservatives. Too many times, our next generation is passed over as being 'too young,'" the O'Fallon attorney said.
Clinton County GOP's resolution reads:
CLINTON COUNTY REPUBLICAN CENTRAL COMMITTEE
CLINTON COUNTY, ILLINOIS
RESOLUTION CALLING UPON PAT BRADY TO RESIGN HIS
POSITION AS CHAIRMAN OF THE ILLINOIS REPUBLICAN PARTY
WHEREAS, the Clinton County Republican Central Committee (“CCRCC”) is the established committee of the Republican Party in Clinton County, Illinois; and
WHEREAS, the CCRCC represents the voice of Republicans in Clinton County, Illinois; and
WHEREAS, on June 9, 2012, the Illinois Republican Party adopted the 2012 Platform of the Illinois Republican Party (“Platform”) as recommended by the Convention Committee on Platforms and Resolutions; and
WHEREAS, Section V of the Platform establishes the Illinois Republican Party’s embrace of the Traditional Family; and
WHEREAS, Section V(c) of the Platform states in relevant part:
“Although not universally achievable, the ideal, best environment for children is within a two‐parent family based on the principle of marriage between one man and one woman. The Republican Party endorses a constitutional amendment protecting our Defense of Marriage Act and enshrining in constitutional law marriage as it is defined in our “DOMA.””; and
WHEREAS, on or about January 3, 2013, the Chairman of the Illinois Republican, Pat Brady, publicly endorsed legislation pending in the Illinois General Assembly that would permit same-sex marriage in Illinois; and
WHEREAS, the actions of Pat Brady in endorsing such legislation are contrary to the values and principles established for the Illinois Republican Party by the Illinois Republican State Central Committee; and
WHEREAS, as the Chairman of the Illinois Republican Party, Pat Brady, should be advancing the value and principles of the Illinois Republican Party, as set forth in the Platform, rather than undermining them; and
WHEREAS, the CCRCC no longer has confidence in Pat Brady to lead the Illinois Republican Party.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the Clinton County Republican Central Committee, that the CCRCC hereby calls upon Pat Brady to resign his position as Chairman of the Illinois Republican Party, effective immediately.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the Clinton County Republican Central Committee, that the CCRCC hereby requests that Bob Winchester, the State Central Committeeman for the new 15th Congressional District, call upon Pat Brady to resign his position as Chairman of the Illinois Republican Party, effective immediately.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the Clinton County Republican Central Committee, that the Secretary of the CCRCC shall immediately transmit a copy of this Resolution to Pat Brady and Bob Winchester.
Approved by the Clinton County Republican Central Committee this 10th day of January, 2013.
