Latest statements from McLean County GOP:

The Party of NO!

Until recently, it was easy to distinguish conservatives from liberals. Conservatives told us how to run our lives. They promoted self-dependence and self-sufficiency. They urged virtuous behavior and regulated vice. They told us that good things would come to us if only we worked hard. A characteristic saying might have been, “God helps those who help themselves.” Unfortunately, that wasn’t a popular message, and the number of conservatives began to shrink, as would be expected. (Click on the title above if necessary to continue.)

  • The Party of NO!

    Until recently, it was easy to distinguish conservatives from liberals. Conservatives told us how to run our lives. They promoted self-dependence and self-sufficiency. They urged virtuous behavior and regulated vice. They told us that good things would come to us if only we worked hard. A characteristic saying might have been, “God helps those who help themselves.” Unfortunately, that wasn’t a popular message, and the number of conservatives began to shrink, as would be expected. (Click on the title above if necessary to continue.)

  • ILGOP Resolution in Support of Children

    The Illinois GOP has issued a Resolution in Support of Children, which gained approval and endorsement during the Illinois Republican State Central Committee meeting on October 21st. This resolution marks the initial step in a series of statements aimed at articulating the values and endorsements of the Illinois Republican Party. The Party's commitment extends to safeguarding children from exposure to explicit content in educational institutions, granting parents the authority to be aware of and sanction all aspects of their children's education in publicly funded schools, and necessitating schools to notify parents in case their child encounters difficulties or confusion regarding their sexual orientation. It emphasizes that concerns about exposure to puberty blockers and surgical interventions are not exclusive to Republicans but extend beyond party lines. (Click on the title above to continue reading if necessary.)

     

  • On the Issues: Extreme vs. Mainstream

    The great divide between Republicans and Democrats results from political extremism. A generation ago, both parties agreed about the goodness of America. Today, Democrats believe that the United States is a terrible country in desperate need of reform, while Republicans believe America is a wonderful place in need of protection. Issue by issue, the extremes of our political spectrum appear as far apart as the East is from the West, and “the twain shall never meet.” It doesn’t have to be this way. It is possible that we can find and share common ground to the benefit of all. (Click on the title title above to continue if necessary.)

  • Lincoln-Reagan Dinner in Review

    Republican Party Chair Dennis Grundler: ‘Illinois Supreme Court Justice Lisa Holder White Delivered on Her Promise.’


    Judicial Supports of the MCGOP
    Judge Amy Lannerd, Justice Lisa Holder White,
    Chairman Dennis Grundler, Judge Eugene Doherty

    McLean County Republican Party leaders Dennis Grundler (Chairman) and Connie Beard (immediate past Chair) agree that Illinois Supreme Court Justice Lisa Holder White delivered on her promise to give an inspiring and informative presentation at the Party’s October 27 Lincoln-Reagan Dinner. Attendees strongly agreed if their strong ovation following Justice White’s presentation was any indication. Cities 92.9 FM radio personalities Cat Petersen and Ty Smith interviewed Justice White in an on-stage, sit-down setting. (Click on the title above to continue reading if necessary.)

  • On the Issues: Virtue and Vice

    By definition, an issue is something that people legitimately disagree about. A broken-down car or a cancer diagnosis are not issues; they are problems in need of solutions. Politics is the fine art of solving problems, many resulting from issues. Issues frequently arise because of differences in political, social, or moral values – something beyond the ability of politicians to resolve. Still, there is a two-thousand-year-old bit of advice that can help solve today’s nearly irreconcilable problems associated with issues of a political nature. (Click on the title to continue reading if necessary.)

  • Lincoln Series Leadership Institute Graduates Eight

    Representing McLean County were Cat Petersen, Norma Brown,
    Connie Beard, Joanne Knipmeyer and Chelsie Leffelmen

    “I know moving forward, all I learned with Lincoln Series will impact me and my involvement as a Republican leader,” noted 2023 program graduate Joanne Knipmeyer. She should be well prepared. The Lincoln Series is the foremost educational and preparatory leadership initiative for Republican Women. This program equips participants with essential tools, knowledge, and a broad statewide network, fostering purposeful leadership development. (Click on title to continue if necessary.)

  • Connie Beard, former MCGOP Chair: 'The Illinois housing market is facing several challenges.'


    Connie Beard, Denbesten Real Estate
    Former McLean County GOP Chair

    Current Illinois homeowners, as well as would-be homeowners, are facing significant challenges due to the tax-and-spend policies of the federal and state Democrat administrations. The most critical challenges are due to higher prices, rising interest rates, competition for limited housing, and growing real estate taxes. "Illinois housing market is facing several challenges," according to Connie Beard, a Denbesten Real Estate agent and former chair of the McLean County Republicans. (Click on the title above to continue if necessary.)

  • MCGOP Comments: PROTECT ILLINOIS COMMUNITIES ACT EFFECTIVELY CRIMINALIZES RESISTING GUN OWNERS

    Carl Wenning
    MCGOP Communications Manager

    McLean County Republicans Communications Manager Carl Wenning stated recently that “The Protect Illinois Communities Act will criminalize otherwise law-abiding citizens for doing nothing.” The Act mandates the registration by owners of certain firearms that the Act defines as “assault weapons." The law goes into effect on January 1, 2024. (Click on the above title to continue if necessary.)

  • Grundler: "We are extremely excited about our Lincoln-Reagan Dinner"

    The McLean County Republican Party cordially invites the citizens of McLean County to attend their Lincoln-Reagan Dinner on Friday, October 27th. The party leadership is "extremely excited" about the dinner and has high expectations for this gala event. Illinois Supreme Court Justice Lisa Holder White will be this year's keynote speaker. (Click the above title to continue if necessary.)

    Hon. Lisa Holder White
    Illinois Supreme Court Justice

  • The Evils of Soft Totalitarianism

    Totalitarianism, historically associated with regimes like Nazi Germany and Stalinist Russia, evokes images of oppressive governments with centralized control and suppression of individual freedoms. However, in recent years, a new form of totalitarianism has emerged, often referred to as "soft totalitarianism." Unlike its brutal predecessors, soft totalitarianism operates insidiously, subtly infringing upon fundamental liberties and eroding democratic and religious values. This essay aims to explore the evils of soft totalitarianism, examining its characteristics, consequences, and the importance of safeguarding our democratic principles and religious beliefs. (If necessary, click on the title above to continue.)