Tight race, tough tactics in Elgin GOP race

Another longtime incumbent in Kane County was almost bounced out of office Wednesday night, but some pointed persuasion might have come to the rescue.

Mike Kenyon was the three-time incumbent as chairman of the Elgin Township Republicans heading into a vote Tuesday night. He was also the reigning chairman of the Kane County Republican Party.

But opponent David Rickert was fresh off the best showing of any Kane County government incumbent in the recent primary election for county treasurer. Some people thought Rickert was the better choice for the job, committeeman Scott Eckols said.

"Both candidates stood up and spoke nicely of each other," Eckols said. "But the thing was, some people though Mike Kenyon just had too many hats to wear."

Indeed, the first vote yielded a tie vote with one committeeman abstaining.

"We were very upset because one person just voted 'abstain'," said Kane County Board member and committeeman Jackie Tredup, who counted the secret ballots.

A second vote was conducted to break the tie. There was still one abstention, but someone switched their vote, giving Kenyon the victory. That may not have come without some stumping by Kenyon before the vote.

"I believe the person who abstained had a lot of pressure put on him," Tredup said. "I know that Mike had made some calls to a few people and said, 'If you're not going to vote for me, just don't show up.' "

Indeed, committeemen who voted in the race, but asked not to be named, confirmed receiving those calls from Kenyon.

Kenyon could not be reached for comment Wednesday.

Rickert refused to comment on any tactics Kenyon might have used to win, but said he looks forward to working closely with Kenyon. Rickert was elected vice chairman in a subsequent vote. Rickert said he was pleased he was able to tie Kenyon in the first vote given that Kenyon was a longtime incumbent.

"I ran a very positive campaign and focused on things we could do to build the party," Rickert said. "The party of George Ryan needs to go. A lot of people want to see reform within the Republican Party."