Posted on 04/18/2010 9:12:51 PM PDT by suprise_me
Illinois College Republicans are preparing for an especially busy year, and this weekend, nearly 50 representatives met at the Chicago Marriott to hear from candidates they'll be promoting at their perspective Illinois schools throughout November. Newly re-elected ICRF state chairman Matt Zimmerman said the organization is looking forward to one of its best years in a long time.
"We do think 2010 will be a good year for Republicans," Zimmerman (blue shirt in photo) said.
Not a man of many words, the Eastern Illinois University student is better known for the work he encourages among College Republicans. Illinois' CRs, whose mission field is in the heart of some of America's most liberal institutions, aren't intimidated about the Democrats' huge wins in 2008. Instead, they're hoping to add to the ICRF's 30 existing chapters. From downstate Southern Illinois University in Carbondale to Eastern Illinois University to Illinois State and Wheaton College, up to Trinity International and westward to Bradley, Republican students are organized throughout Illinois.
With a slate of young Republicans on the 2010 ballot in Illinois ranging from 27 year old LG candidate Jason Plummer to 31 year old Congressional candidate Adam Kinzinger and several under 30 candidates running for the state legislature, College Republicans could be considering their own campaigns sooner than they could have imagined a year ago.
That's exactly what Cook County Board President candidate Roger Keats said he hopes will happen.
"In my speech today, I'm going to explain the difference between being an activist and actually running for office," the former state senator said. "We do need activists, but we need more to think about becoming elected officials. There's great potential for that among College Republicans."
And Keats, as well as U.S. Senate candidate Mark Kirk, GOP gubernatorial candidate Bill Brady, LG candidate Jason Plummer, Secretary of State Robert Enriquez and AG candidate Steve Kim, as well as Cook County sheriff candidate Frederick Collins will keep ICRF'rs busy this summer and fall. Each of the candidates visited with the ICRF conventioneers, along with Illinois Republican National Committeewoman Demetra DeMonte.
"This year we've been able to do a lot in making the ICRF more relevant for our members and chapters. We've helped groups out financially with projects they're working on, letting them know about opportunities such as jobs and internships, working with the College Republican National Committee in sending 30 of our members out to Virginia for a week of campaigning," Zimmerman said. "We look forward to redoubling our efforts this year. We look forward to making the difference for our Republican candidates all over the state."
With national Democrats Nancy Pelosi, Harry Reid and Barack Obama's approval ratings at their lowest yet, all Republicans' optimism about this year's elections continues to grow.
"We are very excited about this year," Ryan Roth, ICRF's Second Vice-Chairman (left of Zimmerman in above photo) said.
Indeed, other ICRF'rs agreed, they hope to help it be a history-making one.
Great job by these youngsters. IL is a tough state.
Mark Kirk is a political evil.
He should be trusted no more than Arlen Specter.
I agree that Rep. Kirk is too liberal. Eric Wallace is still considering running, as an independent, because Wallace thinks that he might win. I would work for him.
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