Kane GOP convention sees full overthrow of leadership
Before the Kane County Republican Party convention even began, reigning Chairman Mike Kenyon wondered if the evening would really be a party for him.
Having watched the outcome of votes for other party offices as the night progressed, Kenyon realized it wasn't, and he spared his fellow Republicans from making it official.
Members of the Kane GOP elected Barb Wojnicki of Campton Township as their new chairman Wednesday night — and the first woman to lead the county party.
Wojnicki's victory also marks a personal breakthrough for her: In her 14 years on the Kane County Board, she'd often been overlooked for leadership roles despite her knowledge and experience. Now she's the leader of the party that's been in charge of the county for the last century.
“I just think people were looking for new energy, new spirit,” Wojnicki said. “I know no one can do this job alone. But I think the people of the party were just ready for something new.”
Kenyon, of South Elgin, withdrew his candidacy just before the voting for chairman began. In doing so, he publicly called for party unity.
But after the speech and the applause, Kenyon called the outcome the result of a political coup. Wojnicki ran on a slate of candidates that swept the voting Wednesday night.
In addition to Wojnicki, East Dundee village board member Allen Skillicorn became secretary of the county party while retiring Kane County Auditor Bill Keck became the party's new treasurer. Both Skillicorn and Keck defeated opponents backed by Kenyon.
“I didn't even know I had an opponent until a week ago,” Kenyon said. “It took that long to convince her to run. The only disappointment is people didn't look at the facts. She only comes to about 40 percent of our (party) meetings.”
Wojnicki said a bitter primary battle in Kenyon's primary race during his current Kane County Board re-election attempt is what drew people away from him. She said she hopes the outcome of the party vote brings an end to the fractions and infighting that's plagued the Kane County GOP in recent years.
As chairman, Wojnicki pledged to eliminate any party endorsements in races where Republicans run against each other, increase access to party information and databases for all Republicans, and limit herself to two terms as party chairman, among other pledges.
“This is the time for coming together and for focusing on victories,” Wojnicki said.