Just one Illinois Republican at the convention podium
To look at the speaking list for the Republican National Convention in St. Paul, one might think the Illinois GOP couldn't make the show.
U.S. Rep. Mark Kirk of Highland Park is the lone speaker from Illinois on the agenda as of Saturday for the four-day Republican bash at the Xcel Center.
Just like on many recent election days, Illinois Republicans appear to be shut out.
"I don't think Illinois will have much of a presence on the platform," says Pat Brady, Republican National Committeeman-elect from St. Charles. "It is expected."
Compare this to the Democrats in Denver.
With Barack Obama taking the party's mantel, the convention featured a 'Who's Who' list of Democratic officials, mostly from Chicago.
At the podium were: Chicago Mayor Richard Daley, U.S. Rep. Jesse Jackson Jr., U.S. Rep. Rahm Emanuel, U.S. Rep. Jan Schakowsky, U.S. Sen. Dick Durbin, Comptroller Dan Hynes, Treasurer Alexi Giannoulias, Attorney General Lisa Madigan, Chicago clerk Miguel del Valle and state veteran's affairs director Tammy Duckworth.
Illinois Republicans say the disparity is simple to understand: Obama is giving his political pals a chance in the spotlight.
Among those who political watchers expected to see speak at the Republican convention: U.S. Rep. Peter Roskam, U.S. Rep. Judy Biggert and former House Speaker Dennis Hastert.
Kirk is speaking Monday.