PEORIA - The Peoria Civic Center is the place where Illinois Republicans are gathering this weekend to discuss the November elections, decide on the platform they represent and network with like-minded political friends.
Officials report 961 delegates to the 2016 State Convention. Sure to be a record-setter.
Governor Rauner urged unity among the party - against the Democrats. (See quotes below)
Some photos of the convention floor, credits (for most) to Mark Weyermuller:
Timothy Christian Junior Carl Miller (center) led pledge w/ Worth Twnship delegate Karen Hayes (r)
with Mike Zenz from Bourbannais (l)
Speaking of Governor Rauner, he addressed the gathered Republicans Saturday, urging support for the Republicans "up and down the ticket." He rallied the troops against the Democrats nationally and statewide, saying, "Now is the time to unite up and down the ticket. What unites us is far stronger than what divides us." (Rauner did not mention the name "Donald Trump," observers noted.)
Rauner said he wouldn't sign an unbalanced budget and wouldn't agree to a tax increase without the concessions Illinois needs to change its direction. He also promised to fight for term limits and fair maps. He closed with "This is our year! God Bless You!"
A video of U.S. Senator Mark Kirk replaced a personal appearance onstage of the incumbent, who is fighting Democrat Tammy Duckworth for his seat in November. Kirk did visit with early arrivers Friday afternoon, it was noted.
