CHICAGO - The Illinois Republican Party's State Central Committee will meet Saturday in Springfield to elect the party chairman for the next four years. Current Party Chairman Jack Dorgan has announced he will not seek re-election, and is endorsing Cook County Board commissioner Tim Schneider to succeed him.
Illinois Review has learned that at least one other candidate is interested in the spot - Evanston's Blair Garber.
“Today, I am proud to announce that I will be joining Bruce Rauner’s Team as a Co-Chair of his Finance Committee," Dorgan said in a statement. "I will continue with the Illinois Republican Party as a member of the State Central Committee in the 5th District. However, with these new dual roles, I will no longer be able to run for re-election as chairman of the Party."
“It has been my great honor to lead the Illinois Republican Party as chairman over the last year, helping position our candidates across Illinois for an incredible victory this November. Our Party is exactly where I had hoped it would be: firing on all cylinders and ready to deliver a new direction to the people of Illinois.
“I believe that Tim Schneider is the best person to succeed me as Chairman. He understands exactly what it will take to spread the Republican Party’s message of more jobs, better schools, and value for tax dollars.
“Bruce and I look forward to working closely with Tim in the months ahead. We trust he’ll do a great job.”
Bruce Rauner joined Dorgan in picking Schneider:
“Jack Dorgan has been an extraordinary Chairman, and he will be a great partner in our campaign. I’m honored he’ll be a part of the team. I applaud Jack's service to the Illinois Republican Party over the last year and look forward to working with him to defeat Pat Quinn in November.
“As we work to shake up Springfield and bring back Illinois, I can think of no one better to be our next Chairman than Tim Schneider -- a small business owner, fiscal conservative and proven reformer. Tim has served at the forefront of the fight against cronyism, corruption and fiscal irresponsibility in Cook County - and I know he will be an unmatched spokesman across the state for our pro-growth, pro-reform vision for Illinois."
