I think we have more machinery of government than is necessary, too many parasites living on the labor of the industrious.
~ Thomas Jefferson, letter to Thomas Cooper, 29 November 1802
Those two guys named Thomas would be amazed at the government that has been created by Democrats and Republicans in this country during the last half-century. The antiquated notion of a Constitution that actually limits the government has been replaced by a government looking to limit personal economic freedom at every turn.
This bi-partisan mess will have to be cleaned up by at least one of the parties, and we all know that a clean-up crew would never get elected in the Democratic Party. It’s tough enough electing serious-minded/tough-willed reformers in the GOP.
No better position than governor exists at the state level to have an impact on bringing about the necessary over-haul (shrinking) of state and local government. So – a lot is at stake when it comes to the character and ability of who is selected.
Because the Republican primary field consists of seven individuals, it’s not going to require much of a plurality to get the nomination.
Money in the big campaigns is not an option. In this seven-way race, a handful of the candidates will have enough to reach voters statewide. Adam Andrzejewski, Kirk Dillard, and Andy McKenna are three of them. The other four might have raised enough to compete since the last reporting period back in mid-summer – but that remains to be seen.
On the issues, from perusing their websites, listening to their speeches, and reading their quotes in the press, it looks like they’re all running to the right and saying much of the same thing. Of course there are style and intensity differences.
Only Bob Schillerstrom is billing himself as a “moderate” on the social issues. Of course there is no such thing. You’re for abortion or you’re against it. You’re for the advancement of sexual disorientation in the schools and in legislation, or you’re not. You’re either a social conservative or a social liberal.
As I’ve stated unequivocally, my view is that there is no way to disconnect the social issues from the economic issues, so Schillerstom’s candidacy is a non-starter for me.
Bob’s website – www.bobschillerstrom.com – highlights his record as Chairman of the DuPage County Board. He also refers to himself as a Springfield outsider – but when you’re a DuPage County insider I’m not sure voters will be all that inspired.
His website refers to him as a “Dedicated Republican,” but what we need are dedicated reformers who understand the need for reform of the Republican Party. Schillerstrom doesn’t support SB600 – a bill that is essential to creating an accountable state party. Without political reform, we’ll never grow the Republican Party or successfully advance an agenda based on its principles.
Up next: Andy McKenna and Bill Brady.
