Illinois GOP hope Democratic dysfunction brings party together

ST. PAUL - Illinois Republicans have suffered a number of lows in recent years, but arguably one of the rock-bottom moments came early in the 2006 GOP governor's primary at a debate in Springfield.

What was supposed to be a forum on economic policy turned into a political mud-wrestling match marred by personal attacks, allegations of sexism and audience boos.

And it was from that scrum that Republican Judy Baar Topinka emerged as the bloodied and bruised nominee who'd go on to lose the governor's race to incumbent Democrat Rod Blagojevich.

The wounds are fresh, and numerous Republican officials from across the GOP spectrum say it's finally beginning to sink in that if they don't get their act together, Democrats will retain control of state government.

In fact, Republicans say their best ally in this rebuilding effort is the collection of Democratic leaders who've produced plenty of gridlock and few results.

"I think the debacle of all Chicago Democratic machine control of state government has reached the boiling point where the moderates and conservatives - along with our drought of statewide electoral success - will force Illinois Republicans to band together for our own good," said Hinsdale Republican state Sen. Kirk Dillard. "I thank the Democrats for helping us unify our party, although I think we need to unify it with ideas. But we'll take all the breaks at this stage of the game."

Former Republican Gov. Jim Edgar agrees that Democrats are helping resuscitate his party.

"There's no doubt the dysfunction of the Democratic administration in Springfield has enhanced Republicans' changes to come back from 'the dead,'" Edgar said.

Party Chairman Andy McKenna recently said he hopes Republicans will agree to run positive campaigns and avoid attacking each other.

Most agree this fall's elections are tough with Democrat Barack Obama leading the ticket. The crucial 2010 state races featuring the entire slot of statewide offices are what they're building for.

But many of the party leaders remain wary of some social conservatives who are openly suspicious of the GOP brass' motivations and haven't hesitated to trash fellow Republicans they feel have strayed.

"That's what we always wonder - if they would rather be right than win?" said Edgar. "The classic example is Judy."

Indeed, few have forgotten how fractured the party became during the 2006 primary.

Not only did conservatives - most notably Aurora dairy magnate Jim Oberweis - use personal attacks in the primary, but once Topinka won the nomination some said another Blagojevich term would be better for the party than a Topinka victory.

That's the scenario McKenna, Edgar, Dillard and others want to avoid repeating.

Even socially conservative Bloomington state Sen. Bill Brady, who's already essentially campaigning for the 2010 GOP nomination, is suggesting candidates try a new approach.

"We need candidates who can be firm in their convictions but communicate those convictions, their desires, in ways that don't offend other people," Brady said. "And that's what it's all about, understanding other people have other opinions and working to find common ground."

Apparently Jack Roeser didn't get copied on the unity memo.

The brash businessman and head of the Carpentersville-based Family Taxpayers Network makes it no secret he disagrees with the GOP's official direction, using not only his words but his cash to signal his displeasure.

Roeser himself ran against Edgar in the 1994 primary and lost.

Between 1993 and mid-2006, his organization had given $685,000 to state candidates, his engineering firm donated $101,000 and he personally gave $1.6 million. The Family Taxpayers Network lists its official purpose as "to promote candidates for office who support tax reduction and other family concerns while exposing candidates who promote policies harmful to Illinois families."

And don't look for him to tone it down anytime soon.

Asked recently about the GOP rebuilding efforts, Roeser offered this advice: "We've got to get rid of these skunks who are running the Republican Party."