I haven’t decided who I’m backing yet. Traux probably has the most credible background, at least on paper. I went to his website and his “values” page says a lot but tells us nothing about where he stands (http://www.dougtruax.com/meet-doug/values/). I heard him speak at the southwest Cook County GOP picnic and Traux was pretty sharp and on message, so at least he’s no Pat Hughes. Oberweis has a long-time losing steak and largely negative reactions from Illinois voters, and Koppie is solid and experienced but a political gadfly. William Lee has been running against Durbin since Sauerberg conceded, but I’m sure 99.99% of IL GOP voters will look at the ballot and say “William WHO?”
I agree the IL GOP establishment probably has no horse in this race, and is content to concede to Durbin before the campaign even starts (and I’m not surprised that slimy turd Mark Kirk is planning to endorse Durbin). The combine won’t get involved in the GOP primary, but simply out of the desire to tarnish conservatism, I think they’d be pleased if Oberweis was the nominee and crashed and burned in the general.
I posted wall-to-wall comments, on Truax’s facebook page, at least twice, and I said, “What are your views about aboriton, guns, and immigration?” I didn’t see a response.
I’m surprised that few people know about William Lee. I heard him give a campaign speech, during a Republican Assembly of Lake Co. meeting, two years ago.
The IL GOP establishement supports Truax. The IL GOP website has a page that lists statewide candidates. The only U.S. Senate candidate, on that list, is Truax. At least two weeks ago, I emailed the ex. director, and I asked her to include Chad’s name. When I checked, last weekend, Chad’s name still wasn’t there. That should hurt Truax’s campaign. In Jan. 2008, the party leaders endorsed Sauerberg. In Feb. 2006, the party leaders endorsed Topinka. In Aug. 2004, the party leaders endorsed Keyes.