McHenry County Republicans have traditionally liked secrecy.

I have talked to previous central committee treasurers who were never shown more than anyone could pick off the internet at the Illinois State Board of Elections web site.

When Jack Schaffer took office, he formed the McHenry County Republican Foundation Committee with Gary Peacock as Treasurer.

I asked if that person had read what he attested to on the campaign disclosure form.

My guess is that was an attempt to follow in Lake County’s footsteps. There the big money folks didn’t trust the precinct committeemen.

If they were going to raise or donate the money, they would dole out most of the money through the Lake County Republican Foundation.

Bill LeFew used the vehicle after he beat back the challenge by the non-establishment Algonquin Township Road Commissioner Bob Miller to succeed Schaffer.

People could combine central committee and foundation committee resources and get an idea of what LeFew was doing, but, aside from an article or two published on McHenry County Blog, I don’t think anyone did.

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The photo of McHenry County Republican Central Committee Chairman Mike Tryon was taken at the grand opening of the new Crystal Lake headquarters on July 26, 2008. Volunteers are being sought to man it mornings and all day Wednesday. Note the soap boxes on the platform from which the speech is being given.

Part 2 tomorrow.