The buzz around the annual IL GOP picnic Thursday was the news that State Party Chairman Andy McKenna surprised key party insiders that morning by resigning as state chairman. (Comment from McKenna below the fold)
Immediately after McKenna's announcement to the gathered State Central Committeemen gathered in Springfield, they went into executive session and voted in National Committeeman Pat Brady as chairman, bypassing any interim chairman to fill the remainder of McKenna's term. Word is the Republican National Committee and the national caucuses insisted upon a smooth transition with upcoming crucial U.S. Senate bid and several national attention-gaining Congressional races.
Tell us your thoughts about the McKenna resignation and your projections about Pat Brady taking the helm.
From Andy McKenna:
“Today I informed our State Central Committee that I am stepping aside as Chairman of the Illinois Republican Party.
“I leave this role secure in the fact that the Party has raised more than $16 million throughout the last four years and is building solid cash flow which will support our efforts leading into the next election.
“I am confident that the grassroots organizations we built throughout the last four years are poised to deliver multiple statewide victories in 2010.
“I reach this decision recognizing that I do not intend to seek re-election as Party Chairman in April, therefore, believing now is the best time to select our next leader who will carry us to victory in 2010.
“Serving as Chairman for nearly five years has been an honor and I am proud of the work we have accomplished in building our grassroots through the County Chairman’s Association, electing strong leaders like Peter Roskam and securing Mark Kirk as our next U.S. Senate Candidate.
“I have great confidence in acting-Chairman Bobbie Peterson and I look forward to working with all Party leaders to elect Republicans up and down the ballot in 2010.”
