Look at the positives in the GOP

It's unfortunate the lack of media coverage given to the recent rebuilding efforts of the Illinois Republican Party.

Throughout this year, the party has undertaken unprecedented efforts to rebuild and re-brand. From its multicity reform tour, to the success of its straw poll at the Illinois State Fair to the unparalleled fundraising, the party is on a mission to reform the state of Illinois.

Recently, as part of the reform agenda, state party Chairman Andy McKenna convened a leadership training retreat for grassroots volunteers from throughout Illinois. Nationally recognized political consultants from throughout the nation came to Oak Brook and offered training and advice on how to win elections in during the 2008 election cycle.

The most notable aspect of the event is that over 300 grassroots leaders from the Republican Party convened in Oak Brook on the Saturday before Thanksgiving to plan for the 2008 election.

Clearly, excitement among Republicans was in the air on this Saturday. Unfortunately, very few from the media showed up to cover such a successful event.

It would be nice for newspapers to report on some of the positive aspects rising out of the Republican Party and the reform effort that is happening on the grassroots level.

Daniel Venturi

Lake County Republican chairman