Birkett hosts inaugural party for Ill. GOP

Even Illinois Republicans are getting in on the act of marking President-elect Barack Obama's inauguration.

DuPage County State's Attorney Joe Birkett is hosting a party in Chicago Tuesday night to kick off the "rebirth of the Republican Party" in Illinois, where Democrats dominate state government.

Birkett says in a statement that the "Ready to Rebuild?" party isn't an anti-Obama event but a chance to shape the future of the Republican Party. The event is aimed at young Republicans and independents.

Birkett says it's a good time to rebuild the party and Illinois in the wake of what he calls "the mess Democrats have made of it."

Inaugural viewing events and mini-inaugural balls are being held across Illinois.