Rock Island Today

Local Republican leaders recently released a statement regarding Donald Trump’s presidential election victory, portraying it as proof that Hillary Clinton’s win was not “inevitable” in Illinois or nationwide, despite Rock Island County giving her a slight edge.

Chairman Bill Bloom and First Vice Chairman Mike Steffen of the Rock Island Republican Party issued the report for the benefit of GOP supporters throughout the area.

“(At) the national level, we could not have asked for a better result,” the officials said. “Donald Trump proved that Hillary Clinton was not ‘inevitable’… While Rock Island County gave Hillary an edge, the totals were much closer than in the last election.”

Bloom and Steffen commented on Republican results at various levels. Clearest to constituents at the state level was the end of House Speaker Mike Madigan’s (D-Chicago) veto-proof supermajority, with four additional seats in the state House. Additionally, Rock Island and the 71st state House District elected Tony McCombie to replace state Rep. Mike Smiddy (D-Hillsdale), capturing Republican representation for the northern part of Illinois.

“Many people think that avoiding an extension of the [President Barack] Obama policies into the next presidency may have saved the United States as we know it,” the GOP officials said. “The optimism of the stock market might support that perspective.”

Although the GOP fell short in the District 72 state House race, the party maintained three Rock Island County Board seats and added a new one, with Bob Reagan emerging as the winner in District 7. Republicans in Districts 8 and 9 lost by slim margins; Bloom and Steffen congratulated all contenders for their hard work.

“To our candidates who did not cross the finish line first, thank you for your effort and commitment,” the officials said.

The GOP officials also took the opportunity to assuage their constituents regarding less-desirable election results. As well as commending the many robust candidacies, in particular that of Brandi McGuire in District 72, the officers commented on the campaign tactics of Mike Halpin as a reminder to stay alert.

“While we did not win District 72, we forced the Democrats to spend millions defending a seat which they entered the race considering it 'safe,’” they said. “As we go forward, we should remember that Mike Halpin churned out one lie after another to win this seat. We will expect him to represent all of us. This will be difficult to do, given his campaign and his victory are owed totally to Madigan allies who funded and managed his ethically spurious campaign. Brandi McGuire, thank you for your efforts and for your ethically run issues-based campaign.” 

Looking forward, the local GOP leaders are focusing on raising awareness for township caucus and primary ballots geared for the upcoming April 2017 election — cast statewide on Dec. 6 — and also observing that citizens can become more involved in their local political scene at any time.

Mayoral races include candidate Mike Thoms, running for mayor of Rock Island and Mayor Scott Raes, running for re-election in Moline. Rock Island and Moline's election are officially non-partisan. A leadership meeting is scheduled for Dec. 7, when the Rock Island GOP intends to discuss essential changes for the party. Ideas and/or suggestions are most welcome, the officials said.

“This is an opportunity to get involved at the grass roots on the smallest government unit,” they said. “Contact your township clerk for details … 2017 is a year for rebuilding and for renewed commitment. We will be making some changes in our operation, including possibly an HQ move."

To help during a one-time upcoming project, residents can also participate on Dec. 17 in a project in collaboration with the Salvation Army, which is recruiting individuals to man their bell-ringing posts all day.

Those who would like to help can contact Long or Steffen.

“There is nothing better than greeting your neighbors as they walk into the local grocery store,” the duo said. “Be cheerful, be animated. You will have a ball.”

Long and Steffen can be reached at Rock Island County Republican headquarters at 309-764-6262. Offices are at 1721 Fifth Ave., Suite 200 in Moline.