In the media, Republicans are portrayed as either flakes (Alan Keyes) or crooks (George Ryan). Kirk is the only Republican who receives favorable press attention. The media fawns over him. Of course, the media likes Kirk becuase he'll move the GOP to be more liberal than the Dems.
There are two problems facing the IL GOP. One obvious problem is corrupt RINOS running the party. The other problem is in-fighting among conservative groups for the right to speak for all conservatives. The Salvi-Churchill feud is a prime example. As long as conservatives bicker amongst themselves, RINOs and Dems benefit.
That's the last thing the IL GOP needs, Conservative personality clashes. That's the kind of crap we expect from the rodent left. They either need to bury the hatchet or just stand aside for the grown-ups.