Rock Island Today

The Rock Island County Republican Party has a lot to look forward to in 2017, following what it considers to be success in the November election.

The party is thrilled with the election of Donald Trump as president, as the party actively campaigned locally on his behalf, including an extensive sign campaign.

However, the party experienced setbacks when many of the Republican candidates’ signs were stolen, especially Trump’s. But the party said this helped ignite the base and energized some people on the sidelines.

The party is also proud of the campaigns that state House candidates ran in Districts 71 and 72. Tony McCombie won District 71, although Brandi McGuire lost in District 72.

“We wanted District 72, but that district is designed to elect Democrats,” Rock Island GOP Chairman William Bloom told Rock Island Today. Bloom also said thousands of Democrats crossed the line to vote for McGuire.

"The Democrats had to spend millions of dollars to capture a seat they thought they could easily win,” he said.

Part of their goal for 2017 is to keep a close watch on Mike Halpin, the Democrat who won District 72.

“We look forward to holding him accountable,” Bloom said.

On the County Board front, Republicans won two more seats, bringing their number up to eight members. Their goal for the next election will be to get 13 of the 25 seats.

After running extensive and time-consuming campaigns, the party is ready to reshape its organization.

“2017 will be a rebuilding year for us,” Bloom said. “We did a good job in 2016, but everyone is tired, and we are in need of some new blood.”

The party will be focusing on training more precinct committeemen (PC), as well as recruiting a younger base.

The party will be moving its headquarters from Moline to Rock Island. It said this will give it more visibility and make it easier for people to visit the county offices.

The party's recovery period will be short-lived, with the spring 2017 elections on the horizon.

Although it hasn’t supported any candidates yet, the party will be focusing its attention at the township level and encouraging its PCs and activists in each township to organize.

Moline GOP Mayor Scott Raes is up for re-election and could be running against other Republican candidates. If that’s the case, the GOP will remain neutral toward the candidates.

“We don’t take sides like the Dems,” Bloom said. “We support anyone trying to make government better.”

In Rock Island, the party will support Mike Thoms for mayor."

In all races, the party will offer its facilities to all Republican candidates. In addition to the spring elections, the party is preparing to fight against legislation it finds counter-productive.

“We will support any chance to bring down the cost of government,” Bloom said. “We will fight every effort to increase taxes.”