McHenry County Blog

From attending previous Teeni Weenie Bikini fund raisers held by McHenry County Board member Barb Wheeler, I know that one cam find drinks other than the advertised martinis.

Wine is served, as are soft drinks.

I haven’t found my favorite drink yet (Kahlua and skim milk–one has to save calories somewhere, right?), but there are interesting attendees.

Last time I was surprised to see former McHenry County State’s Attorney Gary Pack, for instance.

This year’s event is being held the last Saturday night of the month, July 28th. (RSVP by the 24th.)

4-7 is the announced time and swimming is encouraged.

The location is Lindy’s Landing at 115 Park Street in Wauconda.

No set price again, although “sponsorships” are solicited at $1,000 a pop.

Matthew Potts of Potts and Pans will provide music.

Republican State Rep. candidate Barbara Wheeler has scheduled a fund raiser for

Ingleside attorney David A. Zipp is hosting a wine and cheese Meet and Greet Friday, March 2nd from 5-8 atthe historical Roxana Bed & Breakfast.

He writes,

“With the new districts making much of McHenry County and Lake County merge, these outstanding leaders and candidates wanted to hold an opportunity for folks to meet them.

“State Senator Pam Althoff, State Rep Candidate and current McHenry County Board member Barb Wheeler, my mentor, friend and Lake County State’s Attorney candidate Mike Nerhiem, and Lake County Recorder of Deeds candidate and current Treasurer of the Lake County Republican Federation Bob Bedar are all expected to be at this event.”

Jeff Thirtyacre waves from his pickup at the 2010 Johnsburg Parade.

Spring Grove Democrat Jeff Thirtyacre has filed papers with the McHenry County Clerk’s Office to run as a write-in candidate for this party’s nomination for State Representative in the 64th District.

To win the write-in contest, he must get as many votes as signatures he would have to have gotten on petitions–500.

Thrityacre has run unsuccessfully for the McHenry County Board twice and Burton Township Road Commissioner.

He works for the Illinois Department of Transportation out of the Woodstock garage.

If he gets on the ballot, he will face off against McHenry County Board member Barb Wheeler, who is the Republican Party’s candidate.

I emailed him last night asking why he wanted the Democratic Party nomination, but have not gotten a reply.

Barb Wheeler at the Nunda Township Republican Picnic.

Let’s face it.

The district McHenry County Board member Barbara Wheeler is running in is a Republican one.

The filing deadline has passed and she didn’t draw an opponent.

I kept hearing of some guy from the northwest part of Lake County who was mounting a challenge, but Wheeler’s pre-filing campaign apparently intimidated him.

So, with a Republican primary opponent and no Democrat having filed, it’s a good bet that Barbara Wheeler will be representing McHenry and Lake County citizens in the Illinois General Assembly starting in January 2013.

Danielle Rowe

Kent Gaffney

David McSweeney

There are no surprises in McHenry County State Rep. races, except that 52nd District Republican candidate Danielle Rowe did not file on the first day.

There is no indication that she is not going to file and, assuming there is not a fourth candidate from that district that has not made him- or herself known, she will have last place on the March 20th ballot.

Primary filings show no indication there will be any general election contests.

In the 52nd District Kent Gaffney and David McSweeney filed as Republicans.

In the 63rd District State Rep. Jack Franks filed for re-election as a Democrat.

in the 64th District McHenry County Board member Barbara Wheeler filed as a Republican.

In the 66th District State Rep. Mike Tryon filed for re-election.

There was “a Scribner’s error” in the county offices’ pay hike resolution some argued.  It passed October 18th.

In that first vote, County Board members voted 19-4 to raise County Board salaries to $21,500 per year.  That’s about where all county board members would be before the new term started (+ or – $4-500).

Most of the 2010 McHenry County Board members on swearing-in day.

Voting “No” were

• Virginia Peschke
• Kathy Bergan Schmidt
• Ersel Schuster
• Paula Yensen

Two weeks later, four again voted against the pay raise, but they aren’t the same people. Nov. 1st, “No” votes were cast by

• Diane Evertsen
• John Hammerand
• Kathy Bergan Schmidt
• Paula Yensen

The vote was 16-4, with Randy Donley, Marc Munaretto, Nick Provenzano and Barb Wheeler not voting. Munaretto appears not to have been at the meeting. Donley and Wheeler left early, having voted on earlier issues.  Provenzano left during the salary vote, but returned later.

There was another motion made by John Hammerand to refer the whole matter back to the Finance Committee.  It failed 15-4.

Voting for additional committee consideration were Hammrand, Evertsen, Anna May Miller and Schuster.

If the Democrats could put their act together, they would have an issue.

Republicans for pay hikes, Democrats against.

MikeTryon

State Rep. Mike Tryon (R-Crystal Lake) raised $21,690 and spent $23,932.

He ended September with $2,300 less than he started with.

Jack Franks

State Rep. Jack Franks (D-Marengo) took in $52,400 and spent $41,600.

He started July with $478,000 (remember all those big gifts from family and friends when he was pumping up his campaign fund to try to make it look as if he has a chance to run for Governor?).

Now he has $9,600 more.

Pam Althoff

State Senator Pam Althoff (R-McHenry) raised about $52,000, spent $25,000 and has current resources (including $4,500 in contributions since October 1st) of about $80,000.

State Senator Dan Duffy (R-Lake Barrington) got donations amounting to about $31,000, while spending $14,500.

Including what he started with, his campaign assets are now over $102,000.

Kent Gaffney

Dave McSweeney

Appointed State Rep. Kent Gaffney (R-Lake Barrington) raised about $45,000 (including fundraiser financing of $12,400 from money in the campaign fund of Mark Beaubien, the man he replaced) spent $1,900 and has $29,400.

Opponent David McSweeney reported loaning his campaign $7,500 prior to October 1st and spending $7,000 on consulting and polling.

Since October 1st, McSweeney reports having raised $27,000, some of which has been spent on a mailing.

Danielle Rowe

The third candidate to announce, Danielle Rowe, raised $11,750 and reports having spent$20.

McHenry County Board member Barb Wheeler, who is running for state representative in the new district running north from Crystal Lake into Lake County, raised $14,550 and spent $4,800. She has $10,000 in the bank and a fundraiser this Saturday night.

Karen McConnaughay

In the new state senate district running south from the Crystal Lake Country Club through the western part of Kane County, Kane County Board Chairman Karen McConnaughay has garnered $3,000 in receipts during the last three months, while spending over $32,000.

Cliff Surges

Because she had a healthy campaign fund from her County Board days, she has $24,400 left.

GOP opponent Cliff Surges raised $31,800 (including a $15,000 loan from himself) and, having spent nothing, still has that in the bank.

Chad Koppie

More than McConnaughay has right now, which is sure to raise some eyebrows.

The third state senate candidate Chad Koppie has not raised or spent enough money to require the filing of a report to the Illinois State Board of Elections.

Illinois Republican Party Chairman Pat Brady traveled up the Fox River Valley to talk to McHenry County Republicans Wednesday night.

Pat Brady is seen addressing McHenry County Republicans at the Nunda Township GOP meeting.

The event was held at the Prairie Isle Golf Club in Prairie Grove.

A good number of countywide elected officials were in attendance.

Sheriff Keith Nygren enjoyed a good laugh with Pat Brady.

Here you see Pat Brady posing with Nunda Township Republican Party Chairman Brent Smith, McHenry County Treasurer Bill LeFew and Dan Regna, who ran against McHenry County State's Attorney Lou Bianchi in 2008.

Not only candidates for countywide office, but those for the McHenry County Board were courting voters. Nick Provenzano was there, but I don’t think he’d want me to post the photo I have for this event.

McHenry County State's Attorney Lou Bianchi, an announced candidate for re-election is seen in this shot with District 3 County Board candidate Lyn Orphal. Orphal was beated for her District 2 seat by Donna Kurtz in 2010.

8th District Congressman Joe Walsh represented the national scene.

Congressman Joe Walsh spoke to the group. He is having a Town Hall Meeting at the Woodstock VFW tomorrow night at 7.

State legislators and candidates were in attendance.

McHenry County Board member Barb Wheeler was talking up her candidacy to Bob Cook.

Kent Gaffney addresses the crowd.

State Senator Dan Duffy was caught with County Board candidate Jim Schlader.

McHenry County Republican Party Chairman Mike Tryon was present, as was McHenry County Board Chairman Ken Koehler.

Mike Tryon and Ken Koehler converse with those present. Undersheriff Andrew Zinke can be seen in the background to the left to Pat Brady.

Steven Rooney, recently elected to the Johnsburg School Board, was present.

Johnsburg School Board member Steve Rooney poses with State's Attorney Lou Bianchi.

There was even a past school board member sighted.

State Senator Dan Duffy chatted with former Huntley School Board member Larry Snow.

The turnout was more than respectable.

Part of the crowd who attended the Nunda Township Republican event.

I’m fortunate to have had a couple of people taking pictures for me, but good coverage of an event really requires feet on the ground. For instance, I’d love to knows what the politicians are laughing about in the photo below:

Anyone know what this "almost falling of the chair" joke was?

There was a gathering of Chairmen at the meeting.  Not only was State Party Chairman Pat Brady present, but McHenry County Chairman Mike Tryon, Lake County Chairman Bob Cook and the host, Nunda Township Chairman Brent Smith.

GOP Chairman Brent Smith (Nuida Township), Pat Brady (Illinois), Mike Tryon (McHenry County) and Bob Cook (Lake County).

As I go through the second set of photos, I see one with Crystal Laker Rich Evans, who has announced his candidacy for Congress in Joe Walsh’s 8th District. There is no indication that Walsh is running for re-election there.

Rich Evans appeals to Nunda Township Republicans.

The Northwest Herald usually doesn’t send reporters to political events, but newcomer Jane Huh covered the event.

Northwest Herald reporter Jane Huh interviews State Senator Dan Duffy.

McHJenry County State's Attorney holds up his speech after he announces he will seek a third term.

Having been vindicated by not one, but two verdicts of acquittal in Circuit Court, McHenry County State’s Attorney has decided to seek voter approval of his stewardship of the office he first won in 2004.

Speaking at his annual fund raiser, Festa Italiana, Bianchi said,

“I cannot think of a more appropriate (time or place) to announce to you and our community that I will be seeking another term as State’s Attorney.”

The First Electric Newspaper's Pete Gonigam chats with Cary's Yvonne Barnes, a former McHenry County Board member who is contemplating another run.

McHenry County Board Chairman Ken Koehler had laudatory comments about Lou Bianchi when he introduced him.

The place was packed with reporters and I would imagine there will be big stories tomorrow.

There were also lots of office holders and candidates.

Bianchi was introduced by McHenry County Board Chairman Ken Koehler, as he was four years ago when Bianchi announced his run for a second term.

Four years ago, Koehler was reported to be filling in for Sheriff Keith Nygren, who went on to heavily support Bianchi primary opponent Dan Regna.

Koehler, of course, like all County Board candidates must stand for re-election in 2012.

Nunda Township Trustee Jim Schlader is running in District 3.

I’m not aware of any incumbents who are not running for re-election, but Barb Wheeler, who is running for State Rep.  At the risk of missing some (whose names I shall add if they contact me), the following were at the fund raiser:

• Donna Kurtz
• Marc Munaretto
• Nick Provenzano
• Sandy Salgado

There were also challengers who wanted publicity:

• Jim Schlader, a Nunda Township Trustee, who is a candidate in District 3.
• 

  Rachel Smith said she "definitely" was running for County Board in District 6. Here she is taling to Hebron Village Trustee and County Board Chairman Ken Koehler.

  Rachel Smith, a Republican Precinct Committeeman from Greenwood Township whose mailing address is Wonder Lake.

And people thinking about running who were not ready to have their ambitions spread across the McHenry County Blog screen.

Plus former County Board member Yvonne Barnes, who, as indicated in the cutline under her picture above, is thinking about trying to regain the seat she lost to Robert Novak in 2010.

Chad Koppie, an announced candidate for State Senate in the 33rd District, shared a light moment with Lou Bianchi.

State legislative candidates were present, too.

Kane County’s Chad Koppie, who just announced he was running for the State Senate in an empty district where Kane County Chairman Karen McConnaughay has announced her candidacy was in attendance.

I did not see McConnaughay.

When she announced I asked when she would be visiting McHenry County.

There was nothing on her schedule at that time.

Arriving after the festivities had concluded was newly-appointed State Representative Kent Gaffney and his wife Elizabeth.

McHenry County Board member Donna Kurtz converses with State Rep. Kent Gaffney and his wife Elizabeth.

I vented about Governor Pat Quinn’s proposal to hike toll taxes by 88%, wondering why Republican legislators were not pinning the toll tax hike on the state’s top donkey.

Gaffney was not the only person in the room interested in being elected from the district represents.

One of the many people who talked to Lou Bianchi after his announcement was Robert Hanaford.

Former Fox River Grove Village Trustee Bob Hannaford was discussing a potential candidacy in the Republican primary election against Gaffney.

Hanaford now lives in the southwestern corner of Lake County and has been active in the Cuba Township Republican Party.

McHenry County Board member Barb Wheeler, who is a candidate for State Representative in the 64th District, talks with Donna Kurtz.

So I won’t be accused of discrimination, let me point out that McHenry County Board member and State Representative candidate Barb Wheeler was escorted to the Festa Italiana by her husband Joe Wheeler, even though he was not in the photo published here.

The McHenry Moose was the site of the McHenry Township Republican Pig Roast.

Saturday afternoon, McHenry Township Republicans gathered at the McHenry Moose for a pig roast and to hear candidates make their pitches.

McHenry County Blog prevailed upon attendee Becky Kress to share her photos.

Barb Wheeler presents her request for support.

McHenry County Board member Barb Wheeler, who has announced her intentions to run for State Representative in the 64th District whose southern tip is my precinct in Crystal Lake and Lakewood and goes north to Antioch, was one of the speakers.

Congressman Joe Walsh makes his pitch, while Crystal Lake's Bryan Javor and band member Tim Stewart listen.

8th District Congressman Joe Walsh made a pitch for re-election, even though he doesn’t know who his potential future constituents will be. (He made a second appearance in Aurora at State Senator Chris Lauzen’s Porky Picnic later in the day. Lauzen announced he would give up his Senate seat to run for Kane County Board Chairman.)

Joe Walsh mixed with those in attendance as well as speaking. The women to his immediate left as Wonder Lake Fire Protection District Trustee Cheryl Hammerand. On the right is Barbara Klasen, Greenwood Township Supervisor.

A photo of State Senator Dan Duffy was captured.

State Senator Dan Duffy talks to Barb Wheeler and her husband Joe.

Steven Rooney, recently elected to the Johnsburg School Board is caught with a John O’Neill for County Board tee shirt.

Johnsburg School Board member Steve Rooney

McHenry County Board members Tina Hill and Mary Donner were seen chatting at one table.

Tina Hill and Mary Donner sat at the same table.

The star of the day may have been the pig.

The roasted pig seemed to have no opinion regarding the candidates.

State Senator Dan Duffy got a turn at the microphone.

Dan Duffy speaks.

Both State Senator Pam Althoff and State Rep. Mike Tryon were enjoying the roast pig.

Pam Althoff and Mike Tryon confer. Greenwood Township Supervisor Barbara Klasen (standing) talks to MaryDonner in the center. Kathy Kutcha is on the right.

Newly-appointed State Rep. Kent Gaffney spoke to the gathering, but the photo with his son was really fuzzy.

Kent Gaffney (on the right) attends to some paperwork, as does McHenry Township Road Commissioner Leon Van Every.

The event had at least one McHenry Alderman in attendance–Andy Glab.

Pam Althoff converses with Helen and Andy Glab.

Tina Hill posed with McHenry Township GOP work horse Kathy Kuchta.

McHenry County Auditor Pam Palmer was campaigning for re-election.

Former McHenry County Auditor and GOP Chairman and his wife Carrie are greeting by current Auditor Pam Palmer.

There were many others at the successful fund raiser.

McHenry Township Clerk Bruce Novak chows down.

A two-elected official family, McHenry County Board member John Hammerand and Wonder Lake Fire Protection District Board member Cheryl (seen with Joe Walsh above) were enjoying themselves.

John Hammerand has a discussion with Jim Kelly.