Why GOP voters might get to pick their leaders

SPRINGFIELD - Republican primary voters are one step closer to electing their party's state central committee following approval Thursday in the Illinois Senate of a plan stripping that power from party leaders.

"We need to reconnect our leadership in the party to the rank-and-file grass roots," said state Sen. Chris Lauzen, an Aurora Republican. "This is not a radical idea."

Nevertheless, debate over the plan was cordially contemptuous, with several Republican members in their seats turning their backs to Lauzen as he explained his proposal. GOP Chairman Andy McKenna has previously threatened to go to court if it becomes law.

The Illinois Senate shouldn't even be deciding the issue, said state Sen. Matt Murphy, a Palatine Republican.

"This is an internal party matter that should stay inside the party," Murphy said. But Murphy could not persuade enough of his fellow senators to stop the legislation, which passed 44-13.

Under Lauzen's plan, Republicans voting in primary elections would choose the party's 19 state central committeemen, who run the GOP statewide. Currently, ward and precinct leaders choose the GOP's state central committee. Democratic primary voters already elect their state central committee.

Because existing central committee members could still run under the new scheme, state Sen. Kirk Dillard, a Hinsdale Republican, said he felt "this is not that big a deal."

"The Republican Party has been on tough times in the state of Illinois. Sometimes you just need to mix it up," Dillard said. "This will help fix the Republican family."

State Sen. Iris Martinez, a Chicago Democrat, suggested that having Republican primary voters elect the state's central committee might also lead to more women in GOP politics.

But state Sen. Bill Brady, a Bloomington Republican, argued Democrats had no business interfering in Republican party politics.

"This is an internal Republican matter. We'd no more interfere in the way you elect your party's leaders than we wish for you to interfere in ours. Unfortunately this has become public," Brady said.

The plan now moves to the Illinois House, where a similar version failed four years ago. Lauzen said he is more optimistic the House will approve the plan this time around. Gov. Pat Quinn would also have to approve the plan before it becomes law.