McHenry County Blog

Re-cycling a campaign theme developed by Daily Herald columnist Amy Mack (who, by the way, does not seem to have a column any more) out of a complaint made by then McHenry County GOP Chairman Bill LeFew, who vigorously opposed the reelection of LouiBianchi for State’s Attorney, Democratic Party opponent Tom Cynor has issued the following press release.

What Cynor does not point out is that the Illinois Attorney General’s Office investigated. Lisa Madigan’s Office’s report lead to this headline in Pioneer Press:

CYNOR RENEWS CALL FOR STATE’S ATTORNEY REIMBURSEMENT OF $17,000 IN PERSONAL EXPENSES

WOODSTOCK IL. – Early this week county official revealed that revenue for the upcoming fiscal year would miss budgeted estimates by approximately 2.5 million dollars. County board members were quick to consider budget cuts to make up for the lost revenue. Suggestions included hiring freezes and salary reductions for county employees.

Candidate for McHenry County State’s Attorney, Thomas J. Cynor, has suggested, “that county board members first consider recouping some $17,000.00 from the sitting State’s Attorney, Louis Bianchi and limiting other wasteful spending by his office before considering reducing county employee wages.”

Louis Bianchi has had taxpayers pay for about $17,000 worth of candy, cookies, chocolate, cakes, ice cream, soda pop, doughnuts, bagels, coffee and meals since taking office. McHenry County Auditor, Pam Palmer called the expenses, “excessive” and mentioned she was “dismayed and shocked” when she learned of Lou Bianchi’s reimbursed expenditures first hand.

In addition to criticism from various county officials, last fall Cynor spoke before the county board on this very issue. “I went before the county board and asked that they consider withholding any further funding of the State’s Attorney’s Office until Lou Bianchi personally reimbursed the county for his personal expenses,” Cynor said. “They failed to act, and now they are considering reducing county employee wages because of revenue shortfalls. Try telling some county employee making under $25,000 a year they have to take a pay cut because the county’s priority is paying for Mr. Bianchi’s Dilly Bars at Dairy Queen.”

Many of the reimbursed expenses at issue were for meals at various local and out of county restaurants. “I found some of the more offensive expenditures for reimbursed meals,” Cynor said. In one instance at a local eatery, Lou Bianchi wined and dined representatives of one of his largest political contributors, Prime Commercial, on the tax payer dime, at a time when Prime Commercial had just completed a remodel of the State’s Attorney’s Office. “Tax payers paid for the lavish remodel and the appreciation lunch and Lou got to pocket the political donation.”

Cynor added that “it is time to stop the nonsense.” “The position of State’s Attorney pays almost $170,000 a year. At that salary I would hope Lou could afford to buy his own bagel and coffee in the morning and return the people’s $17,000.”

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Post article publication feedback from McHenry County Blog friends:

People who were at the county board meeting where Tom Cynor made the comments he refers to above tell me it was a daytime meeting. Cynor, of course, is a county employee, so more than one wondered if he had prior approval to take time off

This reply was received from Tom Cynor:

“Prior to the meeting, I requested and was granted time off from work to attend the daytime meeting. You may confirm with Chief Judge Sullivan (815) 334-4385. This, of course, highlights the need to move the second CB Meeting to the evening, so as to allow concerned citizens the opportunity to address the CB. Approximately 2/3rds of all employed residents of the county now work outside the county. Accordingly moving the meeting to the early evening would facilitate greater transparency in county government.”

Re-cycling a campaign theme developed by Daily Herald columnist Amy Mack (who, by the way, does not seem to have a column any more) out of a complaint made by then McHenry County GOP Chairman Bill LeFew, who vigorously opposed the reelection of LouiBianchi for State’s Attorney, Democratic Party opponent Tom Cynor has issued the following press release.

What Cynor does not point out is that the Illinois Attorney General’s Office investigated. Lisa Madigan’s Office’s report lead to this headline in Pioneer Press:

CYNOR RENEWS CALL FOR STATE’S ATTORNEY REIMBURSEMENT OF $17,000 IN PERSONAL EXPENSES

WOODSTOCK IL. – Early this week county official revealed that revenue for the upcoming fiscal year would miss budgeted estimates by approximately 2.5 million dollars. County board members were quick to consider budget cuts to make up for the lost revenue. Suggestions included hiring freezes and salary reductions for county employees.

Candidate for McHenry County State’s Attorney, Thomas J. Cynor, has suggested, “that county board members first consider recouping some $17,000.00 from the sitting State’s Attorney, Louis Bianchi and limiting other wasteful spending by his office before considering reducing county employee wages.”

Louis Bianchi has had taxpayers pay for about $17,000 worth of candy, cookies, chocolate, cakes, ice cream, soda pop, doughnuts, bagels, coffee and meals since taking office. McHenry County Auditor, Pam Palmer called the expenses, “excessive” and mentioned she was “dismayed and shocked” when she learned of Lou Bianchi’s reimbursed expenditures first hand.

In addition to criticism from various county officials, last fall Cynor spoke before the county board on this very issue. “I went before the county board and asked that they consider withholding any further funding of the State’s Attorney’s Office until Lou Bianchi personally reimbursed the county for his personal expenses,” Cynor said. “They failed to act, and now they are considering reducing county employee wages because of revenue shortfalls. Try telling some county employee making under $25,000 a year they have to take a pay cut because the county’s priority is paying for Mr. Bianchi’s Dilly Bars at Dairy Queen.”

Many of the reimbursed expenses at issue were for meals at various local and out of county restaurants. “I found some of the more offensive expenditures for reimbursed meals,” Cynor said. In one instance at a local eatery, Lou Bianchi wined and dined representatives of one of his largest political contributors, Prime Commercial, on the tax payer dime, at a time when Prime Commercial had just completed a remodel of the State’s Attorney’s Office. “Tax payers paid for the lavish remodel and the appreciation lunch and Lou got to pocket the political donation.”

Cynor added that “it is time to stop the nonsense.” “The position of State’s Attorney pays almost $170,000 a year. At that salary I would hope Lou could afford to buy his own bagel and coffee in the morning and return the people’s $17,000.”

= = = = =
Post article publication feedback from McHenry County Blog friends:

People who were at the county board meeting where Tom Cynor made the comments he refers to above tell me it was a daytime meeting. Cynor, of course, is a county employee, so more than one wondered if he had prior approval to take time off

This reply was received from Tom Cynor:

“Prior to the meeting, I requested and was granted time off from work to attend the daytime meeting. You may confirm with Chief Judge Sullivan (815) 334-4385. This, of course, highlights the need to move the second CB Meeting to the evening, so as to allow concerned citizens the opportunity to address the CB. Approximately 2/3rds of all employed residents of the county now work outside the county. Accordingly moving the meeting to the early evening would facilitate greater transparency in county government.”

When a newspaper employee writes political columns and plays a role in candidate endorsement interview sessions, should that be made public?

That’s a pertinent question, it seems to me.

McHenry County residents have seen how Daily Herald columnist Amy Mack’s column about McHenry County State’s Attorney Lou Bianchi’s office expenditures became the centerpiece of challenger Dan Regna’s campaign.

But, not appearing on the reprint sent out anonymously by McHenry County Republican Central Committee Chairman Bill LeFew was the fact that columnist Mack not only wrote it, but also took part in the State’s Attorney’s candidate interview session leading to Regna’s endorsement by the paper.

Since the election, Mack has mentioned McHenry County Democratic Central Committee Chairman Thomas Cynor in two consecutive columns.

First, on February 8th, three days after the election, she spotlighted the birth of a Cynor baby girl in the early morning hours the day after election. There is even a picture of the baby on the top of the web site edition of her column.

And, Cyrnor’s comments on naming the child under her February 8th column are referred to on February 10th.

Maybe Thursday’s column was just a cute connection between the birth of a child of the party chairman and the first time McHenry County Democrats achieved a majority of the primary votes.

But, in view of Democrat honcho Cynor’s conversations with McHenry County Republican Party Chairman Bill LeFew about being the Democratic Party candidate against primary victor Bianchi, could this be part of a candidate name identification build up?

Included is the Thursday column is this paragraph:

”At the same time, I wouldn’t be gloating over the numbers if I didn’t have a challenger on this ballot. It’ll be a very different contest in November. In fact, those voters who stayed home this time just might want to consider joining the fun.”

It just so happens that Bianchi does not have a Democratic Party candidate on the ballot.

Yet.

No connection, right?

When a newspaper employee writes political columns and plays a role in candidate endorsement interview sessions, should that be made public?

That’s a pertinent question, it seems to me.

McHenry County residents have seen how Daily Herald columnist Amy Mack’s column about McHenry County State’s Attorney Lou Bianchi’s office expenditures became the centerpiece of challenger Dan Regna’s campaign.

But, not appearing on the reprint sent out anonymously by McHenry County Republican Central Committee Chairman Bill LeFew was the fact that columnist Mack not only wrote it, but also took part in the State’s Attorney’s candidate interview session leading to Regna’s endorsement by the paper.

Since the election, Mack has mentioned McHenry County Democratic Central Committee Chairman Thomas Cynor in two consecutive columns.

First, on February 8th, three days after the election, she spotlighted the birth of a Cynor baby girl in the early morning hours the day after election. There is even a picture of the baby on the top of the web site edition of her column.

And, Cyrnor’s comments on naming the child under her February 8th column are referred to on February 10th.

Maybe Thursday’s column was just a cute connection between the birth of a child of the party chairman and the first time McHenry County Democrats achieved a majority of the primary votes.

But, in view of Democrat honcho Cynor’s conversations with McHenry County Republican Party Chairman Bill LeFew about being the Democratic Party candidate against primary victor Bianchi, could this be part of a candidate name identification build up?

Included is the Thursday column is this paragraph:

”At the same time, I wouldn’t be gloating over the numbers if I didn’t have a challenger on this ballot. It’ll be a very different contest in November. In fact, those voters who stayed home this time just might want to consider joining the fun.”

It just so happens that Bianchi does not have a Democratic Party candidate on the ballot.

Yet.

No connection, right?

Yesterday’s explaination of the free luncheon held after (and even during) the judicial swearing in ceremonies ended with the teaser that today’s article would talk about how it was financed.

That was also the day that the judges, lawyers and others celebrated State Rep. Jack Franks’ successful separation of McHenry County from the domination of Lake County in the 19th Judicial Circuit.

It was the inauguration of the 22nd Judicial Circuit or “Double Deuce” Circuit, as McHenry County Circuit Clerk Bill Kays explained, complete with suggested seal.

Snake eyes.

What a hoot!

But, back to the question of how the reception was financed.

First, remember, I would not even been interested in this topic if McHenry County Republican Party Chairman Bill LeFew had not made such a big deal about it by sending Amy Mack’s anonymous hit piece against McHenry County State’s Attorney Lou Bianchi and, then, fessing up to it.

Where did the money come from to pay for the reception after the judges were sworn in during the first week of December, 2006?

$500 came from the McHenry County Bar Association. It went into the “Court Automation” fund.

Ralph’s Rentals was paid its $888.81 out of “General Operations – Non Departmental.”

That’s what McHenry County Auditor Pam Palmer told me.

The flowers and food were paid from a “Court Automation” account in the Circuit Clerk’s office.

When I talked to Palmer, I asked about the bills, which she had not personally reviewed prior to my Freedom of Information request.

When I brought up the sales tax the county had paid, she said,

”This is something that shouldn’t have been paid. I will pursue that. This is something that my staff looked at. I’m surprised it went through.”

When I asked about paying for the $2,718.65 for the flowers and the food from the Court Automation account, Palmer told me,

”The decision was made from the level of the group that was assembled to put on the 22nd Judicial Circuit event that occurred.”

Palmer explained how things had changed in the last two months:

”We’ve started to review every bill.

“We do a preliminary review, basically looking for anything that would question it or have a red flag. And, then, once that goes through the preliminary review, then it goes onto my accounts payable staff for their detailed auditing review.”

I asked if she could fax me the standard operating procedures.

“We’re working on getting together our financial accounting manual,” she said.

“We’re trying to get all of our policies and procedures together in that manual. I’m making it a top priority.

“We have 38,000 invoices a year that come though this office. We would look at the large bills–probably over $100,000. There would probably be some under $100,000, construction bills that (former County Auditor) Ruth (Rooney) and I would personally review, as they were construction payouts.

“Then our staff would be looking at the other bills and they would come to us if they had problems or questions about it.”

I’ll attest that the food was good.

I took a tuna fish sandwich and a can of pop with me as I left to write my stories.

Yesterday’s explaination of the free luncheon held after (and even during) the judicial swearing in ceremonies ended with the teaser that today’s article would talk about how it was financed.

That was also the day that the judges, lawyers and others celebrated State Rep. Jack Franks’ successful separation of McHenry County from the domination of Lake County in the 19th Judicial Circuit.

It was the inauguration of the 22nd Judicial Circuit or “Double Deuce” Circuit, as McHenry County Circuit Clerk Bill Kays explained, complete with suggested seal.

Snake eyes.

What a hoot!

But, back to the question of how the reception was financed.

First, remember, I would not even been interested in this topic if McHenry County Republican Party Chairman Bill LeFew had not made such a big deal about it by sending Amy Mack’s anonymous hit piece against McHenry County State’s Attorney Lou Bianchi and, then, fessing up to it.

Where did the money come from to pay for the reception after the judges were sworn in during the first week of December, 2006?

$500 came from the McHenry County Bar Association. It went into the “Court Automation” fund.

Ralph’s Rentals was paid its $888.81 out of “General Operations – Non Departmental.”

That’s what McHenry County Auditor Pam Palmer told me.

The flowers and food were paid from a “Court Automation” account in the Circuit Clerk’s office.

When I talked to Palmer, I asked about the bills, which she had not personally reviewed prior to my Freedom of Information request.

When I brought up the sales tax the county had paid, she said,

”This is something that shouldn’t have been paid. I will pursue that. This is something that my staff looked at. I’m surprised it went through.”

When I asked about paying for the $2,718.65 for the flowers and the food from the Court Automation account, Palmer told me,

”The decision was made from the level of the group that was assembled to put on the 22nd Judicial Circuit event that occurred.”

Palmer explained how things had changed in the last two months:

”We’ve started to review every bill.

“We do a preliminary review, basically looking for anything that would question it or have a red flag. And, then, once that goes through the preliminary review, then it goes onto my accounts payable staff for their detailed auditing review.”

I asked if she could fax me the standard operating procedures.

“We’re working on getting together our financial accounting manual,” she said.

“We’re trying to get all of our policies and procedures together in that manual. I’m making it a top priority.

“We have 38,000 invoices a year that come though this office. We would look at the large bills–probably over $100,000. There would probably be some under $100,000, construction bills that (former County Auditor) Ruth (Rooney) and I would personally review, as they were construction payouts.

“Then our staff would be looking at the other bills and they would come to us if they had problems or questions about it.”

I’ll attest that the food was good.

I took a tuna fish sandwich and a can of pop with me as I left to write my stories.

Amy Mack, the former Northwest Herald’s hit piece reporter and intimidator of unwelcome candidates, now works for the Daily Herald.

She did several hit pieces on me during 1998 and 2000 elections, using my ex-wife’s divorce filings, among other sources, including my ex-in-laws, Herb and Millicent Geist, whom she told one of my supporters looked at her like “deer in the headlights.”

Then, last fall, she did a hit piece for her new employer, the Daily Herald. And they put it on the front page of the paper.

On a Sunday.

It was on McHenry County State’s Attorney Lou Bianchi. She cited expenditures which IRS would not question, if made by a private business, but which taxpayers might find a bit strange for a public official.

One topic was for $714 for a luncheon for Bianchi’s swearing in.

In that article Mack did not mention the bills for the judicial reception that was held two years later.

Not that it was a big secret.

Anyone in the courthouse could have gotten a free meal out in the hall that day when new judges were sworn in and the 22nd Judicial Circuit was inaugurated.

The bills included $300 for flowers.

Plus $19.50 for sales tax.

Of course, county government is exempt from sales tax.

Guess someone missed that.

Then there’s a bill for $2,240 from the Public House in Woodstock. It even says what was served:

• Assorted sandwiches

Turkey Hero

Roast Beef

Gourmet Chicken Salad

Tuna Salad

• Pickle Spears
• Potato Salad
• Pasta Salad
• Assorted Desserts
• Assorted Beverages

Public House charged $151.20 in tax. The line says, “Tax if applicable.”

Another $888.81 went for rentals from Ralph’s General Rent-All Inc., and Party World.

The Woodstock firm supplied

• 14 30 inch by 8 foot banquet tables – $126
• 172 new charcoal gray chairs -$163.40
• 19 white 72 by 120 inch banquet tables -$209
• 1 linen – $5
• a $9 per mile, $5 mile delivery fee – $45 – and
• $35 per hour for labor – $280

There was also a $60.41 “damage waiver.”

So where did the money come from?

That’s tomorrow’s story.

Amy Mack, the former Northwest Herald’s hit piece reporter and intimidator of unwelcome candidates, now works for the Daily Herald.

She did several hit pieces on me during 1998 and 2000 elections, using my ex-wife’s divorce filings, among other sources, including my ex-in-laws, Herb and Millicent Geist, whom she told one of my supporters looked at her like “deer in the headlights.”

Then, last fall, she did a hit piece for her new employer, the Daily Herald. And they put it on the front page of the paper.

On a Sunday.

It was on McHenry County State’s Attorney Lou Bianchi. She cited expenditures which IRS would not question, if made by a private business, but which taxpayers might find a bit strange for a public official.

One topic was for $714 for a luncheon for Bianchi’s swearing in.

In that article Mack did not mention the bills for the judicial reception that was held two years later.

Not that it was a big secret.

Anyone in the courthouse could have gotten a free meal out in the hall that day when new judges were sworn in and the 22nd Judicial Circuit was inaugurated.

The bills included $300 for flowers.

Plus $19.50 for sales tax.

Of course, county government is exempt from sales tax.

Guess someone missed that.

Then there’s a bill for $2,240 from the Public House in Woodstock. It even says what was served:

• Assorted sandwiches

Turkey Hero

Roast Beef

Gourmet Chicken Salad

Tuna Salad

• Pickle Spears
• Potato Salad
• Pasta Salad
• Assorted Desserts
• Assorted Beverages

Public House charged $151.20 in tax. The line says, “Tax if applicable.”

Another $888.81 went for rentals from Ralph’s General Rent-All Inc., and Party World.

The Woodstock firm supplied

• 14 30 inch by 8 foot banquet tables – $126
• 172 new charcoal gray chairs -$163.40
• 19 white 72 by 120 inch banquet tables -$209
• 1 linen – $5
• a $9 per mile, $5 mile delivery fee – $45 – and
• $35 per hour for labor – $280

There was also a $60.41 “damage waiver.”

So where did the money come from?

That’s tomorrow’s story.

Well, I guess I was wrong.

I apologize to the defense attorneys who want McHenry County State’s Attorney out of office hoping to get more negotiating prowess with challenger Dan Regna.

The woman who wrote the original hit piece on State’s Attorney Lou Bianchi revealed that the sender of the anonymous reprints was…

Hold your breath…

McHenry County Republican Central Committee Chairman and McHenry County Treasurer Bill LeFew.

Now, why do you think Daily Herald columnist Amy Mack would know that?

I’d let your minds wrap themselves around why LeFew would be willing to tell Mack, but unwilling to follow state law and put his name somewhere on the envelope or the mailing.

Here’s the admission:

”… Bill LeFew confirmed he purchased the reprints as an individual and mailed them to more than 900 people because he thought they should see the information about the state’s attorney’s expenses.”

I guess he sent it to 900 people he thought were community opinion molders.

For some reason, Mack didn’t think to ask LeFew why he mailed it anonymously, although she did refer to it as “a somewhat mysterious mailing.”

Rest assured, others will.

You may remember LeFew was the one who thought it would be a conflict of interest to be county GOP chairman because he might be subpoenaed as county treasurer to hand over financial records about expenditures in the State’s Attorney’s Office that anyone could get through a Freedom of Information request.

Virtually everyone saw through that ruse to criticize Bianchi. The Northwest Herald even spanked him.

If you’re up for the part of the torturous trip covered by McHenry County Blog, here are the relevant articles:

Bill LeFew’s 2000 Promises to Republican Precinct Committeemen

Bill LeFew – Background and Experience Presented in 2000

Bill LeFew Promises to Republican Precinct Committeemen Elected in 2000

McHenry County PACS-Who’s Got the Most

Bill LeFew Loans $30,000 to His Campaign Fund

A Real Attack on Freedom of Speech

Power Party Turnout for Conventions Anemic

Chairman’s Choice – Republican Committeeman Appointees

McHenry County Republican Party Seeks Enrolled Members

“Priceless”

Election Cash Flow Problem Apparently Leads to Loan from McHenry County Republican Chairman’s Personal PAC

Comparing McHenry County Republicans and Democrats in Fund Raising Efficiency

Huge Fund Raising Expenses for McHenry County GOP

$4,500 More Raised at Republican Play Day Golf Outing

GOP War in Nunda Township

Bianchi Challenger?

Jim McAuliff Tapped to Run Against Bianchi

Beaderstadt Now “Your Honor”

Jim McAuliff Not Announcing for State’s Attorney This Saturday

Appellate Court Justice Sue Hutchison Says She’s Thinking About Running for State’s Attorney

Lou Bianchi Announces for Re-Election at Old Courthouse

Crystal Lake 4th of July Parade – Dignitaries

Is Pack Back?

Arriving Late for the Nunda Township Republican Picnic

Testing Campaign Themes

Mental Health Court Off and Running

Three NW Herald Commenters Target Bill LeFew

Althoff and Franks Share County Fair Booth

Daniel Regna Running Against Lou Bianchi for McHenry County State’s Attorney

Daniel Regna’s Challenge to Lou Bianchi

Bianchi Opponent Calling for End of Political Activity in State’s Attorney’s Office Wrote Letter for Bianchi’s Opponent in 2004

Bill LeFew for Rudy Guiliani

Lou Bianchi’s Reply to Dan Regna

Bianchi Chastises McHenry County College Board, But…

LeFew, Party of One – Your Table’s Waiting in the Retirement Lounge by John Coonen

LeFew Signals Resignation as McHenry County Republican Chairman

Comments Disappear from Northwest Herald Bill LeFew Resignation Article

LeFew Recommends Shepley or Tryon To Take His Place

LeFew Email Suggests Another Reason for Resignation

Northwest Herald Spanks Bill LeFew

From a McHenry County Republican Precinct Committeeman

Does It Matter Who Is County GOP Chairman?

Why Would Anyone Want to Be Republican Party Chairman?

Republican Central Committee Sets Cancels Reschedules Bylaws Meeting

A Possible Reason the Saturday GOP Central Committee Was Canceled

“Stuck in McHenry” Comments on “Another Divorce Court Letter from Afar” (See bottom of article)

Tryon Gets Democratic Party Opponent (See bottom of article)

Pathetic Fillings for GOP Precinct Committeeman – 59% Vacant

Comments on the GOP Precinct Committeeman Story

Bill LeFew Does Not File for GOP Precinct Committeeman

State Rep Mike Tryon Endorses Bianchi for Re-Election for State’s Attorney

Well, I guess I was wrong.

I apologize to the defense attorneys who want McHenry County State’s Attorney out of office hoping to get more negotiating prowess with challenger Dan Regna.

The woman who wrote the original hit piece on State’s Attorney Lou Bianchi revealed that the sender of the anonymous reprints was…

Hold your breath…

McHenry County Republican Central Committee Chairman and McHenry County Treasurer Bill LeFew.

Now, why do you think Daily Herald columnist Amy Mack would know that?

I’d let your minds wrap themselves around why LeFew would be willing to tell Mack, but unwilling to follow state law and put his name somewhere on the envelope or the mailing.

Here’s the admission:

”… Bill LeFew confirmed he purchased the reprints as an individual and mailed them to more than 900 people because he thought they should see the information about the state’s attorney’s expenses.”

I guess he sent it to 900 people he thought were community opinion molders.

For some reason, Mack didn’t think to ask LeFew why he mailed it anonymously, although she did refer to it as “a somewhat mysterious mailing.”

Rest assured, others will.

You may remember LeFew was the one who thought it would be a conflict of interest to be county GOP chairman because he might be subpoenaed as county treasurer to hand over financial records about expenditures in the State’s Attorney’s Office that anyone could get through a Freedom of Information request.

Virtually everyone saw through that ruse to criticize Bianchi. The Northwest Herald even spanked him.

If you’re up for the part of the torturous trip covered by McHenry County Blog, here are the relevant articles:

Bill LeFew’s 2000 Promises to Republican Precinct Committeemen

Bill LeFew – Background and Experience Presented in 2000

Bill LeFew Promises to Republican Precinct Committeemen Elected in 2000

McHenry County PACS-Who’s Got the Most

Bill LeFew Loans $30,000 to His Campaign Fund

A Real Attack on Freedom of Speech

Power Party Turnout for Conventions Anemic

Chairman’s Choice – Republican Committeeman Appointees

McHenry County Republican Party Seeks Enrolled Members

“Priceless”

Election Cash Flow Problem Apparently Leads to Loan from McHenry County Republican Chairman’s Personal PAC

Comparing McHenry County Republicans and Democrats in Fund Raising Efficiency

Huge Fund Raising Expenses for McHenry County GOP

$4,500 More Raised at Republican Play Day Golf Outing

GOP War in Nunda Township

Bianchi Challenger?

Jim McAuliff Tapped to Run Against Bianchi

Beaderstadt Now “Your Honor”

Jim McAuliff Not Announcing for State’s Attorney This Saturday

Appellate Court Justice Sue Hutchison Says She’s Thinking About Running for State’s Attorney

Lou Bianchi Announces for Re-Election at Old Courthouse

Crystal Lake 4th of July Parade – Dignitaries

Is Pack Back?

Arriving Late for the Nunda Township Republican Picnic

Testing Campaign Themes

Mental Health Court Off and Running

Three NW Herald Commenters Target Bill LeFew

Althoff and Franks Share County Fair Booth

Daniel Regna Running Against Lou Bianchi for McHenry County State’s Attorney

Daniel Regna’s Challenge to Lou Bianchi

Bianchi Opponent Calling for End of Political Activity in State’s Attorney’s Office Wrote Letter for Bianchi’s Opponent in 2004

Bill LeFew for Rudy Guiliani

Lou Bianchi’s Reply to Dan Regna

Bianchi Chastises McHenry County College Board, But…

LeFew, Party of One – Your Table’s Waiting in the Retirement Lounge by John Coonen

LeFew Signals Resignation as McHenry County Republican Chairman

Comments Disappear from Northwest Herald Bill LeFew Resignation Article

LeFew Recommends Shepley or Tryon To Take His Place

LeFew Email Suggests Another Reason for Resignation

Northwest Herald Spanks Bill LeFew

From a McHenry County Republican Precinct Committeeman

Does It Matter Who Is County GOP Chairman?

Why Would Anyone Want to Be Republican Party Chairman?

Republican Central Committee Sets Cancels Reschedules Bylaws Meeting

A Possible Reason the Saturday GOP Central Committee Was Canceled

“Stuck in McHenry” Comments on “Another Divorce Court Letter from Afar” (See bottom of article)

Tryon Gets Democratic Party Opponent (See bottom of article)

Pathetic Fillings for GOP Precinct Committeeman – 59% Vacant

Comments on the GOP Precinct Committeeman Story

Bill LeFew Does Not File for GOP Precinct Committeeman

State Rep Mike Tryon Endorses Bianchi for Re-Election for State’s Attorney