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Archive for the ‘McHenry County Republican Party’

McHenry County Republicans Holding Tribute for Former Congressman Don Manzullo

April 15, 2013 By: Cal Skinner Category: Adam Kinzinger, Don Manzullo, McHenry County Republican Party, McHenry County Reublican Central Committee

On May 13th at D’Andrea’s in Crystal Lake, McHenry County Republicans will pay tribute to former Congressman Don Manzullo.

The Egan Republican was first elected in 1992, beating a Democrat elected in 1990, when Manzullo lost the GOP primary for the office.

In 1992, Manzullo bests State Senator Jack Schaffer in the Republican primary before knocking off the one-term Democrat.

He held the seat for twenty years before being beaten in the 2012 Republican primary by Congressman Adam Kinzinger. Reapportionment put both incumbents in the same district, one that went from the Wisconsin to the Indiana border around the Chicago metropolitan area.

The cost is $30 for the reception, which will run from 5:30 to 7:30.

The invitation to the tribute to Don Manzullo.

The invitation to the tribute to Don Manzullo.

Last McHenry County Romney Signs Coming in Today – Almost 5,000 Will Have Been Distributed Once These Gone

October 30, 2012 By: Cal Skinner Category: Crystal Lake, McHenry County, McHenry County Republican Central Committee, McHenry County Republican Headquarters, McHenry County Republican Party, McHenry County Republicans, Mitt Romney, Sign, Yard Sign

Republican Campaign Headquarters in Crystal Lake will get the last 300 Romney signs scheduled for deliver Tuesday afternoon between 4 and 5.

If you don’t make it to Crystal Lake Republican Headquarters to get one of the 300 Romney signs being delivered late Tuesday afternoon, perhaps this homeowner on Dole Avenue near Crystal Lake’s Main Beach would be willing to let you have one of his/hers.

The national Romney campaign is not supplying them.

The McHenry County Republican Party is buying them and, needless to say, contributions to help pay for them are welcomed.

Five hundred yard signs were delivered last Thursday afternoon.

They were gone by the end of the day Saturday.

Before today, 4,500 Romney signs had been distributed. When the new 300 are gone, 4,800 will be on the street in McHenry County.

GOP Headquarters in Crystal Lake is a few stores to the left of Joseph’s Market in the Crystal Lake Plaza.

McHenry County GOP Set London Pub (across from 1776) in Crystal Lake for Debate Watching Party

October 22, 2012 By: Cal Skinner Category: Debate, London Pub, McHenry County Republican Central Committee, McHenry County Republican Party, McHenry County Republicans

I was one of the ones who asked where Republicans would be gathering tonight to watch the last Presidential Debate.

The answer arrive at 2:30:

“A number of people have asked whether we are going to have another party for tonight’s debate.

“We’ve fielded the question so many times that we thought we should arrange something.

“While not an official GOP event, we’ve reserved a place for people to get together. ”

Tonight at the London Pub, they will set aside the back room for people that want to watch the debate.

“The London Pub will offer half price appetizers and a cash bar.

“They’re located at 394 West Virginia St, Crystal Lake, IL 60014.”

About 150 Republicans Watch Debate at CL Headquarters

October 11, 2012 By: Cal Skinner Category: Debate, McHenry County Republican Headquarters, McHenry County Republican Party

Just down from Joseph’s Market, Republican Headquarters were filling up before the debate between Jack Ryan and Joe Biden began.

I left early, but there were about 150 people at the Vice Presidential Debate at the Crystal Lake Plaza McHenry County Republican Party Headquarters.

Bob Meale wore his his feelings on his shirt at the night of the Ryan-Biden Vice Presidential Debate.

There were enthusiasts in attendance as you can see above.

There was a food line at the back of the storefront that had a hard time keeping up with the hungry Republicans.

There was free food, although donations were invited.

A view of the audience at McHenry County Republican Headquarters as the Vice Presidential Debate was beginning.

People were still gathering to watch the Vice Presidential Debate.

People were still coming in when I left.

Vice Presidential Debate Watching Party at CL GOP Headquarters Tuesday Night

October 11, 2012 By: Cal Skinner Category: Crystal Lake, Debate, Headquarters, McHenry County Republican Central Committee, McHenry County Republican Headquarters, McHenry County Republican Party, McHenry County Republicans, Paul Ryan, Republican, Vice President

Right down from Joseph’s Market in the Crystal Lake Plaza, you’ll see a building without a sign on top, but with lots of politic signs in the windows. That’s the fall campaign headquarters for the McHenry County Republican Party.

The McHenry County Republican Party invites folks to view the Paul Ryan-Joe Biden television debate at the fall campaign headquarters in the Crystal Lake Plaza.

“You are invited to our second in a series of debate watching parties this Thursday, October 11th, from 7:00 – 10:00 PM at the Republican Campaign Headquarters,” an email advises.

“For those of you that joined us to watch the ‘smack down”‘at The Cottage, you know what a fun and enthusiastic crowd we had.

“The Campaign Headquarters is a much larger venue and should be able to accommodate a much larger crowd with seating and room to maneuver.”

“he party will be held Thursday, October 11 from  7:00 – 10:00 PM.

“The address is 22 Crystal Lake Plaza, but it can best be found by finding Joseph’s Market.  It is a couple of stores west.

“Food and beverages will be provided; donations accepted.

“We will have seating for 150+, so come on out and join other Romney-Ryan supporters for what promises to be an entertaining evening,” an announcement said.

The debate starts at 8:00 and will be shown on a large screen.

“Don’t forget to mark your calendars for the next debate party which will be held on Tuesday, October 16th at the Corkscrew Bistro in McHenry,” an email advised.

The Port Edward GOP Fund Raiser

October 10, 2012 By: Cal Skinner Category: Allen Skillicorn, Anton Cundiff, Bill Prim, Carolyn Schofield, David McSweeney, Diane Evertsen, Ersel Schuster, Jim Harrison, Leslie Schermerhorn, Lowell Cutsforth, Matt McNamara, McHenry County Republican Central Committee, McHenry County Republican Party, McHenry County Reublican Central Committee, McHenry County Sheriff, McHenry County Sheriff's Department, Mike Tryon, Randy Hultgren

Just not having enough processing time for the articles I want to write.

Today, let’s play catchup with the Monday McHenry County Republican Central Committee fund raiser at Port Edward in Algonquin.

I didn’t wonder around too much, but I did get a couple of photos of Republican activists.

Arriving early was McHenry County Sheriff’s candidate Jim Harrison and his wife Carolyn. They were sitting with Algonquin Township Trustee Lowell Cutsforth and Tony Cundiff.

Jim Harrison and his wife Carolyn were sitting at the table next to mine with Algonquin Township Trustee Lowell Cutsforth and retired Sheriff’s Department employee Tony Cundiff.

Then along came another Sheriff’s candidate, Bill Prim, with his campaign manager Matt McNamara.

Bill Prim and Matt McNamara were caught in my next shot greeting the Jim Harrison table.

And, since the third aspirant to succeed Sheriff, Andy Zinke, was in attendance, too, this, let me show you the shot I got of him and Prim against the back wall of Port Edward.

Standing along the back wall of Port Edward are Andy Zinke, Gary Lang, Matt McNamara and Bill Prim.

McHenry County State’s Attorney Lou Bianchi made the rounds greeting people.

State’s Attorney Lou Bianchi greets Karla Dobbick. In the foreground is Demetrios Tsilimigras, head of the Misdemeanor Division of the State’s Attorney’s Office.

All sorts of County Board candidates were in attendance. I am sure I can’t list them all, if you know someone not mentioned, put it in a comment and I’ll add him or her.  I saw Nick Provenzano.

From left to right are Diane Evertsen, Ersel Schuster, East Dundee Village Trustee Alan Skillicorn and Carolyn Schofield. The empty seat was occupied by Grafton Township Supervisor Linda Moore, who was off getting food at Port Edward’s buffet.

McHenry County Republican Chairman Mike Tryon sits with Crystal Lake Precinct Committeeman Joe Stecker in this panoramic view of Port Edward and the Fox River. (If you see anyone else you recognize, share their names in the comment section.  Click to enlarge.)

The speaker for the evening was the Republican State Representative candidate for eastern Algonquin. [Algonquin was split into two districts by the Illinois Democrats. Mike Tryon will represent the western part.]

As usually, David McSweeney worked the tables well.  McHenry’s Phil Bartman is on the left

The Congressman who represents Algonquin Township, Peter Roskam, was not in attendance, but Randy Hultgren, the Republican Congressman who is running in the rest of McHenry County was.

Congressman Randy Hultgren and Regional Superintendent of Education Leslie Schermerhorn talk with State Rep. Mike Tryon.


One final long shot that I took before I left early. You may be able to pick out some of those in attendance.

The event started at 5 and was crowded, every table filled in the buffet room. This is what it looked like at 7 when I left.


The event ended at 8:30.

Let me add that there were plenty of Grafton Township candidates. Besides Supervisor Linda Moore, mentioned above in a cut line, there was Supervisor candidate Marty Waitzman. The only candidate not in attendance was Pam Fender. Road Commissioner candidate Tom Poznanski and Assessor candidate Al Zielinski helped the GOP raise money for the fall campaign.

Republicans Looking for $150 and more to Take House from Madigan

October 05, 2012 By: Cal Skinner Category: House Republican Organization, McHenry County Chairman's Circle, McHenry County Republican Central Committee, McHenry County Republican Party, McHenry County Republicans, Mike Tryon, Tom Cross

Low rollers are invited to Algonquin’s Port Edward Monday night for a $55 fund raiserfor the McHenry County Republican Party.

The invitation to the House Republican Organization and McHenry County Chairman’s Circle Whiskey Tasting and Dinner.

High rollers are invited to October 24th dinner at Crystal Lake’s 1776.

Click to read the details of the HRO-Mike Tryon’s Chairman’s Circle fund raiser.

Both the local Republican Party Chairman’s Circle Political Action Committee and the House Republican Organization will benefit from $150 a person event.

It’s being called a “Whiskey Tasting and Dinner.”

The money raised will go to help oust Mike Madigan from his Speaker-for-Life post and toward the Victory 2012 campaign effort.

Surf and turf, the invitation says.

McHenry County GOP Fund Raiser Monday, Oct. 8th, Reservations Sought

October 03, 2012 By: Cal Skinner Category: McHenry County Republican Party, McHenry County Republicans, McHenry County Reublican Central Committee, Phyllis Walters, Port Edward

What started out as a fall fund raiser for McHenry County Recorder of Deeds Phyllis Walters at Algonquin’s Port Edward morphed into one for the McHenry County Republican Party.

This year it is set for Monday, October 8th. The cost is $55 ($100 a couple), as you can see below:

Click to enlarge this invitation to the McHenry County Republican fund raiser on October 8th at Port Edward in Algonquin.

Republicans Will Gather in Crystal Lake & West Dundee

October 02, 2012 By: Cal Skinner Category: Allen Skillicorn, Crystal Lake, Debate, McHenry County Repubican Central Committee, McHenry County Republican Party, McHenry County Republicans, Mike Tryon, President, West Dundee

A press release from the McHenry County Republican Party:

McHenry County GOP to Host Debate-Watch Party

CRYSTAL LAKE…..The Republican Party of McHenry County will host a presidential debate-watch party this week on Wednesday, Oct. 3 at the Cottage in Crystal Lake.

Mitt Romney supporters are invited to gather at the Cottage from 7:00 until 10:00 pm on Wednesday night, as Governor Romney faces off in his first debate against Barack Obama this election season.

“This should be a lively debate and watching it together as a group will make the evening even more enjoyable,” said McHenry County GOP Chairman Mike Tryon.

“We’ll have a limited number of Romney yard signs and bumper stickers for those who attend.”

Pizza will be provided free of charge, courtesy of Tryon and Illinois Senate Candidate for District 33 Karen McConnaughay. A cash bar will also be available.

The Cottage is located at 6 East Crystal Lake Avenue in Crystal Lake.

The McHenry County GOP office is always looking for enthusiastic Republican volunteers. Those interested volunteering should contact the campaign office at (815) 444-1910.

And a notice from Allen Skillicorn about a similar gathering in East Dundee:

Wednesday October 3rd, 7:30-9:30 PM Presidential Debate in West Dundee

Watching Party at Emmett’s Tavern. Meet and network with fellow Republicans and get your Romney yard sign.

(Appetizers and soft-drinks will be served at no charge, cash bar available.)

Wednesday, October 3, 2012, 7:30PM‐9:30PM

Emmett’s Tavern & Brewing Co.
128 West Main Street
West Dundee, IL 60118

RSVP to allen@allenskillicorn.com or 847-417-5611.

Republican Committeemen Picking Up Literature

September 29, 2012 By: Cal Skinner Category: Headquarters, McHenry County, McHenry County Repubican Headquarters, McHenry County Republican Central Committee, McHenry County Republican Party, McHenry County Republicans

The McHenry County Republican Central Committee has established campaign headquarters a couple of stores down from Joseph’s Market in the Crystal Lake Plaza.

There is not sign above the door of McHenry County Republican Headquarters, but the windows are plastered with Republican signs.

It has a lot of space.

There is no shortage of space in the store occupied by McHenry County Republicans.

There were candidates present. I saw Mike Rein, Tina Hill and John Jung, who are running for the McHenry County Board from District 5, plus District 2′s Donna Kurtz.  Unopposed County Auditor candidate also was present.

District 5 candidates for the McHenry County Board chow down at a table where Precinct Committeemen could pick up their literature.

Joe Rosner, who is running a write-in campaign against Democrat Jack Franks was talking to committeemen.

Chemung 4 Precinct Committeeman Bill Matteson chats with Joe Rosner, Write-In candidate for State Rep. against Democrat Jack Franks. Matteson is descended from an Illinois governor who served in the 1850′s.

Jim Harrison, a candidate for Sheriff in 2014 was meeting party workers.

McHenry County Sheriff’s candidate Jim Harrison and his wife Carolyn talk with Crystal Lake Precinct Committeeman Tom McDermott.

I did notice the presence of a sign saying that another candidate for Sheriff, Andy Zinke, had paid for the light supper.

A small sign was on the front table with Andy Zinke’s name on it.


No literature for any state legislative candidate in my area. Both State Senator Pam Althoff and State Rep. candidate Barb Wheeler are unopposed.

Didn’t see any literature for any of the unopposed Republican candidates for countywide office either. (There were about 100 pieces of State’s Attorney Lou Bianchi’s literature, but since I have 225 houses, I didn’t take them.)