GOP hopefuls barnstorm across suburbs

Campaign signs lined the driveway of the Schaumburg Golf Club Saturday morning as Republican candidates in the Feb. 2 primary began a daylong barnstorming tour across suburban Cook County with a breakfast at Chandler's Chophouse.

Five of the seven GOP governor candidates put in an appearance, including state Sen. Kirk Dillard of Hinsdale, who brought along his own busful of supporters for the "Town Hall Tour." It was making four stops during the day, moving on to Elmwood Park, Palos Hills and Tinley Park.

Rallying Republican unity was the keynote of the occasion. "We are never going to get a better opportunity to take our state back," said governor candidate Dan Proft, a Chicago conservative commentator.

"I think we can make great gains nationwide, statewide and countywide," said Dan Patlak, a Wheeling resident running for the suburban Third District commissioner on the county Board of Review.

Other governor candidates in attendance were former state GOP head Andy McKenna, Bloomington Sen. Bill Brady and DuPage County Chairman Bob Schillerstrom. Former state Attorney General Jim Ryan of Elmhurst and Hinsdale businessman Adam Andrzejewski did not appear.

All sounded familiar campaign themes.

Proft promised a "policy revolution," asking, "Are you ready to turn Springfield upside down?"

Dillard countered with his experience, saying, "The governorship is not an entry-level position."

Brady called himself "a downstate businessman" and touted his GOP loyalty for the party faithful.

McKenna said he'd "draw a line in the sand" to balance the state budget.

Schillerstrom said he'd done just that at DuPage County and that "somebody outside state government" was necessary for change.

Schillerstrom also repeated his promise that he'd seek only one term, saying, "Once I get our state straightened out, I'm going to go home."

The candidates also criticized Democrats.

"It's an embarrassment," said Cook County GOP Chairman Lee Ropas, "what the Democrats have done to this state and this county."

"That's why we Republicans are running," said Cook County presidential candidate Roger Keats, a former state senator from Wilmette. "The Democrats really didn't care" - about judicial corruption in his day in the General Assembly 20 years ago, and about the sorry state of Illinois government now.

To that end, Ropas also advised Republicans to be more united than ever on Feb. 3 - the day after the statewide primary, and leading up to the general election in November.

"Primaries do get a little divisive at times," Keats said, "but that's not the point of it."

The Schaumburg tour stop drew about 140 people. "Not bad for a Saturday morning," said Schaumburg Township Republican Committeeman Mike Adelizzi.