Over 90 people gathered on Saturday morning, May 22 to learn how we can push back against the progressive and socialist movement in McLean County.
“It was a beautiful morning in a setting that reminded everyone why we love our community,” said McLean County chair Connie Beard.
An initial Illinois redistricting map is available for public viewing.
The proposed map of new legislative boundaries in the state was released Friday, May 20, after over 45 public hearings were held on the issue.
Democrats on the committee say that the new lines ensure that all voices are heard. Republicans say the process used was based on bad data and was shady and partisan. The proposed map is expected to change as the issue is discussed further.
House districts
Connie Beard said the redistricting chops up McLean County into five different districts. Originally there were three seats.
“They’re trying to weaken our voting power in this county, and they’re trying to tie us into heavier Democrat districts,” said Beard. “They ink it up a little bit and pull us in, and that means we have to work harder to be represented. Republicans are so poorly represented as it is. They’re going to try to destroy whatever representation we may have.”
In the House Democrats hold the majority of 118 seats at 73 seats compared to Republicans’ 45 seats.
Senate districts
Currently there are two Senate seats that are held by Senator Jason Barickman, representing the 53rd district, and newly appointed State Senator Sally Turner, from the 44th district..
“Now they’ve pulled in a third district that comes all the way over from Peoria… reaches into our county, including Bloomington-Normal, which is both Illinois Wesleyan and Illinois State University into this 46th district where they already have a Democrat State senator (David Koehler),” said Beard. “I think it reprehensible. I think it is gerrymandering at its finest. Governor Pritzker has no intention of keeping his promise of utilizing a fair mapping process.”
Beard said McLean County is being decimated and it is disturbing to her. However, she said it is not defeating.
“I think it is going to spur an understanding in McLean County voters, both Independent and Republican” said Beard. “We are being manipulated and they’re trying to have our voice diminished by the efforts of this mapping process.”
Beard said they chose to loop Bloomington-Normal in to try and secure the student-vote.
“I think it (the map) will energize us to work all the harder to connect with all voters in McLean County,” said Beard. “I think there’s a lot of disfranchised Democrats that don’t see themselves represented by this new Democratic party. We want to present to them,what we think are the best principles by which we should be governing McLean County.”
ISU College Republicans president Josh Bender was in attendance and asked the question: “How are we going to incorporate more students?”
Also in attendance was Sheila Montney, who serves on the Bloomington City council. Montney said students can not be underestimated when it comes to campaigning. Republicans are looking to give more than just “yard sign duty” to college students.
Sheila Montney (middle) addresses the power of the soft-left, soft-right voter.
Beard said she was thrilled with the McLean County Republicans breakfast turnout and said it gives her hope.
“They’re (Democrats) rejoicing about this (mapping process) because they think it is going to be a shoe-in for them,” said Beard. “Well…it’s not.”
The McLean County Chairman John McIntyre announced today, May 24, there will be a committee that looks into the “fair maps” redistricting process.
Future plans were discussed as it was announced that the party would be searching for a candidate to serve as a part time paid staff member.
“It is essential that Republicans work together to deliver the truth of why Republican principals of governing are the best for the entire community. Our tent contains diversity on many levels, which is healthy. There are core principles that we can all agree on as members of the McLean County Republicans. Let those unite us and stop focusing on those things we disagree,” said Beard.
A series of strategic planning meetings to be held through the summer were announced.
“Any member of the McLean County Republicans who wishes to have input on the future of our party was invited to watch for their invitation in their inbox,” said Beard. “Recruitment of precinct committeemen was also presented as a high priority for this summer.”
Attendees were able to view the precinct maps where PCs are needed and suggestions were made for possible candidates to fill the role. Two positions were filled that very morning.
“We are already almost at our goal for paid members for the entire year and it’s only May. We have new volunteers coming in each month asking what they can do to help Republican candidates win,” said Beard. ” There is excitement building about what we can do here in McLean County. We will be moving July 1 into larger offices that will better accommodate the increased training and outreach that is planned for the months ahead.”
The morning ended on a very high note as people visited the Restore Illinois Shop, signed up to volunteer, searched precinct maps to suggest new PC and enjoyed the good food and coffee provided.
The Hesed House Venue and to Bloom Coffee and to the many volunteers that made the event a success.
