Chicago Daily Observer

A dramatic declaration of independence was issued by Illinois Republican Party Chairman Andy McKenna in Decatur on Saturday at the GOP state convention.

McKenna tongue lashed both former Governor Jim Thompson and either DuPage County Board Chairman Robert Schillerstrom or DuPage GOP Party Chairman Dan Cronin.

Taking on Thompson’s continuing show of support of incarcerated former Republican Governor George Ryan, McKenna said,

The news that Fred Thompson has pulled out of the race for the Presidency leaves me with a decision to make, You see, I was for Thompson and although he wasn’t perfect, to me he was the true “conservative” in the race.

The one problem I had supporting Fred was, the American people and me like governors or vice presidents as president. He was neither. His dropping out didn’t come as a surprise, he was not doing as well as some of us thought he would; whether he was too deliberate or didn’t have the fire in the belly the campaign never overcame the “Lazy” label given to it right from the start. So now people like me have to go back and choose another candidate.

When this primary field was announced I wasn’t crazy about the people who were in it (that’s why I went for Fred) I had ... Read More...

For Illinois Republicans used to coalescing early around an easy presidential winner, 2008 is turning out to be a different kind of year.

Even before Mitt Romney’s win in Tuesday’s Michigan primary, Illinois’ business and GOP establishment was dividing its money and support among no fewer than four candidates, with a fifth, Mike Huckabee, appealing to social conservatives, if not LaSalle Street lawyers and bankers.

Recently I wondered whether Mike Huckabee would turn out to be a Paul Tsongas—win an early primary then fade away—or a Jimmy Carter who came out of nowhere to win it all. Some readers further suggested he was Howard Dean, who flamed out even before winning that early primary (or caucus, as the case may be).

When it comes to the actor/politician Fred Thompson, another model suggests itself—Gen.Wesley Clark in 2004. Those old enough to remember will recall that the general who opposed the war in Iraq looked for all the world like the answer to Democratic dreams—a progressive with a great military background who would immediately erase any question about being strong on national security.

His announcement of candidacy was eagerly anticipated; many progressives (including myself) lined up to participate; his poll numbers looked wonderful before he even entered the race. Unfortunately, soon after entering the race he made ... Read More...

Now that his first debate is over, as far as I am concerned Fred Thompson will be the next GOP candidate for President.

No matter what others say Fred was the focus of, and winner of the debate. I know people say Rudy was outgoing and Romney was the candidate from central casting but the debate was all about Fred. Would he be able to stand up to the attacks from the rest of the candidates? Would he be able to answer questions on current issues and not make a gaff? After waiting for so long to get in the race could he get people excited? On all these questions the answer was a clear Yes!

Okay, his first answer showed he was nervous and he looked a little old but his answers were well thought out and he showed he had a good grasp of the issues. It ... Read More...