Ramey takes helm of DuPage GOP

A Carol Stream Republican has taken the helm of the DuPage County GOP.

State Rep. Randy Ramey — the stepson of former Illinois Senate Leader James “Pate” Philip — has been voted by the party’s executive committee to fill the vacancy left by departing Chairman Dan Cronin, of Elmhurst.

The vote came shortly after Cronin resigned at the party’s Monday evening meeting, citing an expanded workload as DuPage County Board chairman and chair of the Elgin-O’Hare Western Bypass committee.

Cronin, who served in the General Assembly from 1991-2010, was party chairman since 2007. He was first appointed to replace Sen. Kirk Dillard of Hinsdale, before being elected to a four-year term in 2008.

Cronin’s decision wasn’t a total surprise, yet the timing was, Ramey said Tuesday morning.

“Cronin had mentioned a few months ago that he wasn’t going to run again,” he said. “And so people already knew for a long time. I had started calling around and talking to people, letting them know I was interested in the (position).”

Still, Ramey, said he sees the new role as an “opportunity to move forward here.”

“I’ve been involved for a long time,” he said. “Family history is another shadow I have to work out from under.”

Ramey is expected to step down from his position as Wayne Township GOP chair by the fall.

In his five years in the state House, he said, “I’ve proven myself in the legislature. I am my own person.”

Ramey last year gained notoriety for introducing an Arizona-style immigration law, which he said would reduce financial strain on Illinois.

As GOP chair, he said, he plans to work to “keep DuPage County Republicans a star in this state and a star in this country, and keep getting Republicans elected.”

Cronin, as of press time, had not returned calls seeking comment.

In a statement, he noted the DuPage County Board “now faces significant challenges, including revenue constraints, rising demand for public services and the need to consolidate and streamline local government. Furthermore, I’ve been asked by Gov. (Pat) Quinn to help lead the effort on the Elgin-O’Hare Western Bypass project, which will yield tremendous benefit to our county and region as a whole. In order to sharply focus on these two priorities, I believe it’s time to step aside as GOP chairman and allow for new leadership of our party at this critical time.”

The seat will come up for re-election next spring.