Lake Co. Young GOP back in action

As more and more historically Republican areas of Lake County shift Democratic, a group of young activists are hoping to breathe life into the GOP.

Led by 22-year-old Wauconda resident Collin Corbett, they've come together to resurrect the Lake County Young Republicans.

A group with that name has existed but has been relatively inactive. Corbett, the new group's president, decided to energize the Young Republicans after the November election.

"I sat down and looked at the election results and tried to determine why the Republican Party did so badly," explained Corbett, who recently managed Long Grove business owner Steve Greenberg's failed bid to unseat Democratic U.S. Rep. Melissa Bean in the 8th House District,

Corbett came to two conclusions: The GOP didn't reach out beyond its traditional base to different segments of society, and it didn't recruit young people.

"It is something that we've neglected for much too long," he said.

The Young Republicans have a long history in the United States. Founded in New York in 1859, the group is the nation's oldest political youth organization and has chapters throughout the country.

Other suburban chapters operate in Cook, DuPage and Kane counties. Members typically are between the ages of 18 and 40.

The Democratic Party has similar groups under the banner of the Young Democrats of America.

In just two months, Corbett said he's been able to recruit more than 70 members for the Lake County chapter, far more than he anticipated. He believes the group is capturing some of the youthful excitement that contributed to Greenberg's campaign and to the successful re-election effort of U.S. Rep. Mark Kirk of Highland Park.

The Young Republican group is responding to a growth in political activism by younger people, said Antonietta Simonian, executive director of the Lake County Republican Federation, the local party's fundraising arm.

Many young voters came to the GOP office in Libertyville last year to volunteer during the election or to get campaign signs for Republican candidates, she said.

"I put a lot of young people to work," Simonian said. "It was fun for them and it was fun for me."

Tonight, the Young Republicans will host a discussion about the impeachment of Gov. Rod Blagojevich and the future of the party in Illinois.

Several GOP lawmakers are scheduled to attend, including state Rep. Ed Sullivan of Mundelein, state Rep. Sandy Cole of Grayslake and recently elected state Sen. Dan Duffy of Lake Barrington.

"It shows that our elected officials in and around Lake County are devoted to growing the party and recruiting young, fresh faces into the Republican Party," Corbett said. "And it shows that we have real leadership ... and tremendous potential to turn around our future in Lake County."

The discussion is scheduled for 7 p.m. at Austin's Saloon and Eatery, 481 Peterson Road. It's free and open to the public.

Sullivan praised Corbett for giving the group - and the local GOP - new energy.

"I think the best way to rebuild the Republican Party is through new blood," he said. "Collin has really taken the bull by the horns."

The Lake County group is developing a Web site and a regular meeting schedule, Corbett said. Unlike many political organizations, membership is free.

"There is no reason to turn anyone away who wants to join," Corbett said.