As a rather outspoken Communication Manager for McLean County Republicans, I’m used to getting “hate mail” from progressive Democrats. One of the most common accusations I hear is that conservative Republicans are racists or haters – bigots – because they oppose illegal immigration. Also cited as evidence is the undeniable fact that many conservative Republicans oppose the Black Lives Matter movement, the DEI agenda, public education’s 1619 Project, reparations for slavery, affirmative action, and the LGBTQIA+ movement. It would seem, at least on the face of it, that progressives have a solid case for their claim that conservative Republicans are either racist or haters, and perhaps both. But do they? (Click on the title above to continue reading if necessary.)

MCGOP Chairman Dennis Grundler

(Bloomington, Illinois) The McLean County Republican Central Committee convened in its biennial County Convention on Wednesday, April 17, to elect officers and Executive Board members and amend the organization’s bylaws, marking a significant moment in local governance. The Committee – consisting of all elected Republican precinct committeepersons in McLean County – undertook a series of decisions aimed at fortifying the group’s structure and advancing its mission to serve the community. (Click on the title above to continue reading if necessary.)

Family, friends, and colleagues often ask me, “Why do you work so long and so hard?” My wife asks me this question when she sees me typing away at my computer at 4:30 a.m. or late into the night. My kids wonder why I don’t kick back and practice my hobbies more or take another trip. Besides, I’m over 70 years old, have a great retirement plan, and can afford to do so. (Click on the title above to continue reading if necessary.)

I recently drove north on US51 through downtown Bloomington. It was a sunny Tuesday afternoon. I was nearly pushed out of my lane by a giant Connect Transit bus that we all see lumbering around the Twin Cities. It took up so much of the path before me in preparation for a right turn that I had to hit my brakes to give it clearance. It wasn’t the driving that bothered me so much as the size of the bus and what it represented – government bloat. (Click on the title above to continue reading if necessary.)

As I began to write this op-ed, I was in the mid-Atlantic aboard a 330-meter-long cruise ship, returning to the United States after visiting Greece, Spain, and Portugal. After departure from the Azores Islands, our ship headed southwest to skirt a gathering storm. Still, we experienced gale-force winds, and 15-foot ocean swells that resulted in the ship listing and rolling – in what one might call a rather tempestuous experience. (Click the title above to continue reading if necessary.)

You may view all three video recordings associated with the MCGOP Border Security Symposium held March 22, 2024.

Part 1: Welcome to McLean County Republicans' Border Security Symposium held March 22, 2024. Words of welcome given by MCGOP Chair Dennis Grundler, the Pledge of Allegiance led by State Senator Tom Bennett, and invocation given by David Paul Blumenshine. (9 minutes)

Part 2: Initial comments about the impact of illegal immigration on our communities and the state of Illinois. Illinois State Representative Dan Caulkins and Illinois State Senator Sally Turner speak on various aspects of this topic. (16 minutes)

Part 3: Introduction of keynote speaker by US Congressman Darin LaHood (R-Peoria). The keynote address was given by Mr. Tom Homan, former acting director of ICE during the Trump administration. (55 minutes)

To view the three videos, go to the following link: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLOP26fQGIakXuAEBVrrN69TPSqUL_sEqv

(Bloomington, March 22, 2024) Over 100 concerned citizens attended a spell-binding Border Security Symposium on Friday evening to hear from Mr. Tom Homan, a government official who served during the Trump Administration as Acting Director of the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). Speakers included U.S. Congressman Darin LaHood, State Sen. Sally Turner, and State Rep. Dan Caulkins. Sheriff Matt Lane, Bloomington Mayor Mboka Mwilambwe, and numerous other elected officials were in the audience. (Click on the title above to continue reading if necessary.)

Illegal immigration poses many threats to our community, ranging from economic strains to safety concerns. Economically, the presence of undocumented aliens can depress wages and job opportunities for residents. Additionally, it burdens public resources such as healthcare and education, leading to strains on social services. From a safety standpoint, porous borders facilitate the entry of criminals, drugs, and even potential terrorists, posing significant challenges for law enforcement and homeland security agencies.

Bloomington, Illinois (March 9, 2024) – Mr. Jesse Sullivan, 2022 Illinois gubernatorial candidate from Petersburg, Illinois, spoke enthusiastically to people of faith over a McLean County Republicans-sponsored breakfast on March 9, 2024. He addressed two questions during his delivery, "Can people of faith have an impact in the world of politics?" and "Should they?" Mr. Sullivan's response to each question was a resounding yes! (Click on the title above to continue reading if necessary.)