Chicago Republicans

(Chicago Democrat Organization funded by Taxpayer money)


A message I sent tonight to Republican Party officials:

I regret to inform you that on March 24, 2010, the Illinois Supreme Court denied the Petition for Leave to Appeal filed by the Cook County Republican Party in our second attempt to appeal to that court.   As you will recall, in 2009 the Supreme Court reversed the previous Appellate Court opinion, but now has chosen to let the current one strand.  While I strongly disagree with the Appellate Court’s Opinion upholding the decision of the Illinois State Board of Elections in our eight remaining cases, the final word rests with the Supreme Court.  After five years of investigation and litigation, including two trips to the Illinois Supreme Court, for the Chicago Aldermanic Cases this was the final act.   The cases are now over.

I can’t thank enough all the people who gave their time and effort in this major volunteer project over the last five years.  Christine Svenson and Tim Sprague conducted hearings and cross-examined Democratic Aldermen and Committeemen.  Gary Skoien provided the initial leadership and support to get the cases through the Illinois State Board of Elections, authorized the court action, and was a constant supporter even after his term as County Chairman ended.  Lee Roupas and Liz Gorman permitted the appeal to continue during their terms as County Chairman.  Eric Kohn walked into Aldermanic Offices, asked questions, and signed affidavits as evidence.  Keely Drukala and Pat Sutarik provided office support.  Tony Peraica was a constant and unbending source of support for five long years. 

My greatest thanks go to Tom Swiss, without whom there would not have been a case at all.  Tom led the operational phase of the investigation, and reserved to himself to walk into the Aldermanic offices in the most hostile and dangerous neighborhoods to obtain evidence.  He was the vital logistical support in the hearings and the court proceedings, attending every one.   Tom has gotten a bad rap lately for telling the truth about some local Republicans.  Anyone making a judgment about him should consider the tremendous amount of volunteer work he put into this project, all without compensation or publicity.

 Much was accomplished in this project.  An illegal practice was stopped, in effect if not by order.   Many major Democratic figures were cross-examined, where they admitted misconduct, all in the public record.  A important new precedent was set in Illinois law by Republican victory in the Illinois Supreme Court in 2009.  Democratic officials across Cook County now know that the Republicans are not only watching, they will take action. 

Much more was accomplished, however, outside of the court action.   This case expanded a tradition of a Republican Party that will confront and fight the Chicago Machine, not acquiesce and retreat.   Our party has gained a new respect among the courts and Democratic officials, as they know that the GOP will take its reform cases as far as required.   Perhaps most important of all, thousands of Republicans across Cook County finally saw their Party with a new attitude of taking the initiative for reform, unafraid, unrepentant, unwilling to give up – an example to all in successfully volunteering for the good fight.   It is my strong belief that all of these seeds will bear fruit by contributing to victory in 2010.  

 For me it was all worth it, and I would do it again.  I’m already thinking about the next suit.   Thank you all very much for this opportunity to serve.