Bianchi Has Best Non-Election Year Crowd Yet

Lou Bianchi chats with Rosemary and Bob Blazier.

Lou Bianchi chats with Rosemary and Bob Blazier.

McHenry County State’s Attorney Lou Bianchi held his annual Fiesta Italiana at Boulder Ridge Country Club Thursday night.

Republican candidate for Attorney General Paul Schimpf greeted those at the affair.  Here he talks to Eileen Marhoeffer, Bob Schlenket, Scott Milliman and Zane Seipler.

Republican candidate for Attorney General Paul Schimpf greeted those at the affair. Here he talks to Eileen Marhoeffer, Bob Schlenkert, Scott Milliman and Zane Seipler.

It had the best turnout for any non-election year, Bianchi said.

GOP State Rep. candidate Steve Reick and District 4 County Board candidate Chuck Wheeler were in attendance.

GOP State Rep. candidate Steve Reick and District 4 County Board candidate Chuck Wheeler were in attendance.

The most interesting thing I saw was Democratic Party State Rep. Jack Franks working the crowd.

Jack Franks worked the tables.  It is the first time I have seen him at a Bianchi fundraiser.

Jack Franks worked the tables. It is the first time I have seen him at a Bianchi fundraiser.

Either Reick has him nervous or he’s running for McHenry County Board Chairman in 2016 in the at-large election.  Of course, Franks has proclaimed he is not running for County Board Chairman, but he also promised only to serve three terms in Springfield and is now in his eighth.

Introduced to Lou Bianchi supporters last year, Republican County Sheriff candidate Bill Prim is seen greeting Bianchi.  Attorney Bob Wilson and McHenry County Republican Chairman Sandy Salgado are in the foreground.

Introduced to Lou Bianchi supporters last year, Republican County Sheriff candidate Bill Prim is seen greeting Bianchi. Attorney Bob Wilson and McHenry County Republican Chairman Sandy Salgado are in the foreground.

Bianchi campaign manager Ron Salgado spoke first.

District 1 County Board candidate Andrew Gasser talks to attorney Robert Hanlon and a man I don't recognize.

District 1 County Board candidate Andrew Gasser talks to attorney Robert Hanlon and a man I don’t recognize.

Bob Blazier led the Pledge of Allegiance, making fun of being handed the words in BIG type.

District 5 County Board candidate Michael Rein and County Board member Michael Skala were talking, but I didn't get the camera up until Rein was walking away.

District 5 County Board candidate Michael Rein and County Board member Michael Skala were talking, but I didn’t get the camera up until Rein was walking away.

“I’ve got the ‘I pledge” part down,” he joked.

This priest gave the equivalent of a keynote address.

Father Jerome Koutnikt gave the equivalent of a keynote address.

Next came the invocation by Father Jerome Koutnikt from St. Thomas Catholic Church.  He followed the tradition of some Protestant preachers at funerals.  He said he was available for consultations at 8, 9 and 11 o’clock, I think.

Herb Franks, who has attended at least one previous Bianchi fundraiser chatted with County Board member John Jung and his wife.

Herb Franks, who has attended at least one previous Bianchi fundraiser chatted with County Board member John Jung and his wife Josie.

He took the opportunity to deliver the basic Christian message, after making some policy comments.

A contingent from Cary was discussing affairs.  From left to right are  Grade School board members Chris Christensen and Josh Howell, Rich Carter and Mayor Mark Kownick.

A contingent from Cary was discussing affairs. From left to right are Grade School board members Chris Christensen and Josh Howell, Rich Carter and Mayor Mark Kownick.

Probably because he knew some in the audience were not regular attenders of church.

McHenry County Concealed Carry President and appointed County GOP Ways and Means Vice Chairman Mickey Schuch was next up.

Sandy Salgado

Sandy Salgado

He introduced County Republican Chairman and County Board member Sandra Salgado, plus made a pitch for the September 10 County GOP fundraiser.

After recognizing Township Republican Chairmen,  Salgado introduced the man of the hour–Lou Bianchi.

Lou Bianchi spoke to the crowd.  Former State Rep. Rosemary Kurtz can be seen in the foreground.

Lou Bianchi spoke to the crowd. Former State Rep. Rosemary Kurtz can be seen in the foreground.

Bianchi reviewed the accomplishments of his office during the prior year.

= = = = =
Let’s see how good my memory is.

County Board members not previously mention who were in attendance were Mike Walkup, Donna Kurtz, Diane Evertsen.

McHenry Township Republican Party Chairman Steve Rooney was caught talking to Wonder Lake Precinct Committeeman Bob Anderson.

McHenry Township Republican Party Chairman Steve Rooney was caught talking to Wonder Lake Precinct Committeeman Bob Anderson.

Former McHenry Mayor and County Board member Don Doherty attended.  He was one of the first persons I approached when I ran for County Treasurer in 1966.  He and my father had served on a jury together.

Former McHenry Mayor and County Board member Don Doherty attended. He was one of the first persons I approached when I ran for County Treasurer in 1966. He and my father had served on a jury together.

All township Chairman were present:

  • John Jung, Dorr Township
  • Mike McCleary, the little townships
  • Steve Rooney, McHenry Township
  • Paul Serwatka, Grafton Township
  • Mike Shorten, Nunda Township
  • Demetri Tsilimigras, Algonquin Township

Besides Mayor Kownick of Cary, Mayor Brian Sager was in attendance. So was Hebron Village Trustee Mark Shepherd.

Now who did I miss that I should have listed?


Comments

Bianchi Has Best Non-Election Year Crowd Yet — 5 Comments

  1. Franks attempt to ‘intimidate’ the new McHenry County GOP will NOT work.

    His appearance at the fund raiser should give all GOP committeemen even more reason to burn up shoe leather in support of Reick!!

  2. Cal, you asked who you may have missed.

    What about Jim Harrison?

    If he is still running then you would have thought he would have been there?

    He was running as an Independent which means he represents everyone and if he is still running he would have to work and support some of these other people who were there.

  3. It is so nice to see the people come out to support Lou Bianchi.

    It has been a long haul and he continues to prevail despite the shenanigans of the regime.

    He deserves the recognition.

    Lou Bianchi is a man with integrity, compassion and he is a class act.

  4. Hmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmm …….

    Did Bianchi really invite them (Daddy Warbucks Franks and Baby Jack-O), or did they just invite themselves?

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