McHenry County Blog

Thursday night, McHenry County State’s Attorney Lou Bianchi announced his candidacy for a third four-year term.

Distributed was “A Special Thanks to all of our Sponsors” leaflet.  It contained a list of contributors of $250 or more.

Two people gave $2,000, although one is listed as “Anonymous.”  Since all contributions over $1,000 must be reported to the Illinois State Board of Elections, I pulled up Bianchi’s information and discovered the following:

“Anonymous” was Thomas Lee Cooper from Wonder Lake.

The other $2,000 contribution was from Stanley and Tanza Kubacki from McHenry.

Hugs all around as Lou Bianchi greets his criminal defense attorney Terry Ekl.

$1,000 contributors:

• Althoff Industries
• DiBenedetto and Kendall, P.C.
• Ekl, Williams & Provenzale, LLC
• Vincent & Patricia Foglia
• Leaf Reality & Development Company
• Sam Markos
• Pro-Life Victory PAC
• Rabine Paving LLC
• Mr. & Mrs. George Wells

Former State Rep. candidate Steven Robert Verr chats with Dr. Anne Majewski and her mother, former McHenry County Board member Lou Anne Majewski.

$500 donors:

• Ancel, Glink, Diamond, Bush, Dicianni & Krafthefer, P.C.
• Bulk Lift International Inc.
• Jams & Merlynn Boback
• Committee to Elected Ken Koehler
• Committee to Elect Michael W. Tryon

When I took this photo, Matt McNamara, the conservative Republican who managed Democrat MIke Mahon's Sheriff's campaign, said, "We miss you, Keith." To McNamara's left is Mike Mahon. To his right is Bill Prim.

• Design Temperature Corporation
• Robert & Paula Dorion-Gray
• Joe & Debra Franzone
• H. Joseph Gitlin
• Oakbrook Estates
• Charles Ranzino
• James G. Sotos & Associates
• State Farm Insurance
• Robert J. Wilczek

$250 contributors:

• Joseph & Mary Alger
• Alliance Contractors, Inc.

Former Sheriff's Deputy Zane Seipler chats with Lou Bianchi's daughter Marissa Spencer.

• B & Z Electrical Contractors, Inc.
• Big Sky Tickets LLC
• Robert & Diane Borchert
• Dr. Vincent & Joan Bufalino
• Michael & Merle Cahan
• Caldwell, Berner & Caldwell
• Caring Transitions
• Caufield & Flood
• Tony & Ronnie Colletti
• Christopher & Michelle Courier

This table of Cary-area officials were at Lou Bianchi's fund raiser. From left to right are Trustee Karen Lubasik, Clerk Nancy Bragg and Trustee Robert Bragg. On the left is Cary Fire Protection Trustee Mark Guerra.

• Mark & Dani Daniel
• Gary Lang Chevrolet, Inc.
• The Geocaris Law Firm
• Georgios Chicdago Pizzera & Pub
• Good Dog Academy
• Home State Bancorp, Inc.
• Heritage Title Company of McHenry
• Intren

The patriach of the Franks family, Herb, poses with new Assistant McHenry County State's Attorney Donna Kelly. Kelly carried McHenry and other counties in her race for an Appellate Court vacancy in 2010.

• Kurup, Inc. d/b/a/ Dunkin Donuts
• Dr. Philip & Helene Lambruschi
• Frederick & Carolyn Landbeck
• Ervin & C. Louise Lecoque
• Donald Lewis
• Motherway & Napelton, LLP
• Pauly Toyota
• Law Offices of Thomas J. Popovich, PC
• Michael & Erin Smith
• Send-It Corporation
• Stan’s Office Machines, Inc.
• Vogt Color Printing, Inc.
• Wickham Interiors, Inc.
• Working World, Inc.

In addition, there appear to have been in-kind contributions:

• Ambrosia Euro American Patisserle
• Joe Caputo & Sons
• The Media Center

Not only did McHenry County Pro-Lifers spend last mid-Saturday demonstrating outside in the cold on Route 47 in front of Democrat Jack Franks’ office, but they gathered somewhere to speak to him and McHenry County Republican State Rep. Mark Beaubien about their co-sponsorship of House Bill 2354.

Some of the messages from constituents were poignant, some were resentful, some were almost mournful, some were demanding, some were threatening. Some were combined with compliments. The YouTube video was prepared by Michael Brown of Testimony Pictures

Several were from strong supporters of Franks’ original campaign, when it was argued he was more pro-life than his Republican opponent. Indeed, Personal PAC, the strong pro-abortion political action committee in Illinois, did not support Franks then.

One, from tenacious five-time unsuccessful McCullum Lake Republican state rep. primary candidate Steven Robert Verr, might actually indicate an election challenge should Franks decide to run for re-election, rather than for the Democratic Party nomination for Attorney General.

“And Jack Franks and Mr. Beaubien, you must be thrown out of office if you support this kind of rubbish,”

Verr said forcefully.

His wife Karen, who helped lead the prayer vigil,

“Jack Franks, I know you well.

“I know you’re surrounded by a lot of evil in Springfield, a lot of lobbyists pulling you in the wrong direction.”

And one woman said,

Interspersed among the images is the contact information for Franks and Beaubien.

Other stories that might be of interest:

3-28-9 Saturday Demonstration in Front of Jack Franks’ Woodstock Office

3-30-9 Anatomy of a Demonstration

3-31-9 The Cardinal Weighs In On House Bill 2354

I try to post a religious message each Sunday.

This one may not seem like one to you until you learn what it’s connected to.

It’s McHenry’s St. Patick’s Church.

When I stopped by, Karen and Steve Verr were manning it.

While we talked for a bit, a man came up and asked if this were a “pro-life” booth.

Neither of us could figure out how he could have any doubt, but assured him it was.

He then dropped a $50 bill into a donation box.

Next to the booth the Verrs were at was one promoting 1st Way Pregnancy Support Services.

I noticed signs for offices in both Harvard (815-943-1500) and Johnsburg (815-385-2999).

I try to post a religious message each Sunday.

This one may not seem like one to you until you learn what it’s connected to.

It’s McHenry’s St. Patick’s Church.

When I stopped by, Karen and Steve Verr were manning it.

While we talked for a bit, a man came up and asked if this were a “pro-life” booth.

Neither of us could figure out how he could have any doubt, but assured him it was.

He then dropped a $50 bill into a donation box.

Next to the booth the Verrs were at was one promoting 1st Way Pregnancy Support Services.

I noticed signs for offices in both Harvard (815-943-1500) and Johnsburg (815-385-2999).

It was a foregone conclusion that State Rep. Mike Tryon would replace McHenry County Treasurer Bill LeFew as chairman of the McHenry County Republican Central Committee.

And he did.

By acclamation.

McHenry Township’s Kathy Kuchta was, too. As was Chemung’s Glenda Miller.

But in the only contested race, 16-year conservative Crystal Lake precinct committeeman Fred Wickham won out over newcomer Brent Smith by a 2-1 margin.

The weighted vote of the committeeman came out 10,801 for Wickham to 5,087 for Smith.

“We are a new central committee and are in control of our own destiny,” Tryon stated in his acceptance speech.

“They’ll be Republicans in leadership come November,” he stressed.

He also recognized long-time committeeman Joyce Story for offering to donate her liver for a transplant.

He thanked his supportive business partner Preston Rae, who also serves as Alden Township Supervisor and its precinct committeeman and his wife.

He then asked for the meeting to be closed.

It was a full house. Only 43 elected committee were absent.

Two other officers were elected without opposition:

Kathleen Kuchta to replace Rich Mack as Vice Chairman. Mack nominated her.

Glenda Miller as Secretary. Miller is Bill LeFew’s Chief Deputy Treasurer.

Entering the VFW in Woodstock committeemen were greeted by Young Republicans passing out an appeal to support Smith for central committee treasurer.

The balloting for the treasurer spot was by paper ballot, instead of an oral roll call.

Committeemen had to write their precinct number, their name and the name of their candidate on little slips of paper.

Each candidate gave short talks.

Smith went first, admitting he was a little tongue tied.

He wasn’t alone.

Wickham said giving speeches “still scares me.”

Smith recounted the volunteer work he had done for all sorts of local candidates as far back as Dick Klemm.

Wickham told of having been a treasurer for a political action committee and his desire to “work with Mike to heal the Republican Party.

“We need to bring people together.”

He said that the “financial records should be open. You should be able to get that information anytime you want it.”

He promised that expenses and revenue would be reported for each event.

Both candidates had watchers, so the candidates could get some idea if those who had pledged their support had kept their commitments.

The two doing the tallies were using electronic calculators with no paper trail.

Counting the votes took longer than it would have had the two people doing it had tapes to compare.

After the meeting, Smith congratulated Wickham.

Otherwise the meeting ran smoothly with the exception that moderator Bernie Narusis put me in a “penalty box,” as Nick Provenzano observed.

He named me parliamentarian and made me sit on the stage.

I told Bernie, who ran for state’s attorney in 1964 while my father was running for county auditor, I wanted to take pictures.

Bernie said I would have a good view from the stage.

He was correct.

Outgoing GOP Chairman Bill LeFew made what turned out to be virtually a cameo appearance.

“It’s been a pleasure, I’ve enjoyed,” he said and apparently left the meeting. He certainly was not in the room when Wickham told of it having been a pleasure to work with him.

After the meeting, it was learned that new by-laws were adopted.

Power, which had been concentrated, was dispersed.

There will henceforth be regular meetings.

= = = = =
Newly elected McHenry County Republican Central Committee Chairman State Rep. Mike Tryon can be seen in the sights of a newspaper camera woman standing next to his newly elected Vice Chairwoman Kathy Kuchta. Next is a head shot of the new treasurer, Fred Wickham.

An audience picture shows how full the room was. Newly elected secretary, Glenda Miller and vice chairwoman, Kathy Kuchta are seen in head shots. Below you can see Young Republicans handing out a leaflet supporting Brent Smith for committee treasurer. Underneath you can see Brett Smith on the left with Wickham next to him. The vote counting committee and watchers for Smith and Wickham are in the next shot.

You can see Smith congratulating Wickham below. That’s me holding up Robert’s Rules of Order. Moderator Bernie Narusis congratulates Mike Tryon down on the left. Finally, a head shot of outgoing GOP Committee Chairman Bill LeFew.

Since there is some more space, I’ll add a picture of Steve Verr of McCullom Lake getting his ballot. That’s outgoing Vice Chairman Rich Mack next to Verr. Mack chaired the bylaw revision committee. Lou Anne Majewski can be seen at the bottom delivering her nominating speech for Fred Wickham.

There were non-committeemen county officials present. I wanted to take a photo of Phyllis Walters, but she didn’t want me to. McHenry County State’s Attorney had no objection as he talked to Algonquin precinct committeeman Patrick Colcernian before the meeting.

Central committee endorsements will take a super-majority vote.

It was a foregone conclusion that State Rep. Mike Tryon would replace McHenry County Treasurer Bill LeFew as chairman of the McHenry County Republican Central Committee.

And he did.

By acclamation.

McHenry Township’s Kathy Kuchta was, too. As was Chemung’s Glenda Miller.

But in the only contested race, 16-year conservative Crystal Lake precinct committeeman Fred Wickham won out over newcomer Brent Smith by a 2-1 margin.

The weighted vote of the committeeman came out 10,801 for Wickham to 5,087 for Smith.

“We are a new central committee and are in control of our own destiny,” Tryon stated in his acceptance speech.

“They’ll be Republicans in leadership come November,” he stressed.

He also recognized long-time committeeman Joyce Story for offering to donate her liver for a transplant.

He thanked his supportive business partner Preston Rae, who also serves as Alden Township Supervisor and its precinct committeeman and his wife.

He then asked for the meeting to be closed.

It was a full house. Only 43 elected committee were absent.

Two other officers were elected without opposition:

Kathleen Kuchta to replace Rich Mack as Vice Chairman. Mack nominated her.

Glenda Miller as Secretary. Miller is Bill LeFew’s Chief Deputy Treasurer.

Entering the VFW in Woodstock committeemen were greeted by Young Republicans passing out an appeal to support Smith for central committee treasurer.

The balloting for the treasurer spot was by paper ballot, instead of an oral roll call.

Committeemen had to write their precinct number, their name and the name of their candidate on little slips of paper.

Each candidate gave short talks.

Smith went first, admitting he was a little tongue tied.

He wasn’t alone.

Wickham said giving speeches “still scares me.”

Smith recounted the volunteer work he had done for all sorts of local candidates as far back as Dick Klemm.

Wickham told of having been a treasurer for a political action committee and his desire to “work with Mike to heal the Republican Party.

“We need to bring people together.”

He said that the “financial records should be open. You should be able to get that information anytime you want it.”

He promised that expenses and revenue would be reported for each event.

Both candidates had watchers, so the candidates could get some idea if those who had pledged their support had kept their commitments.

The two doing the tallies were using electronic calculators with no paper trail.

Counting the votes took longer than it would have had the two people doing it had tapes to compare.

After the meeting, Smith congratulated Wickham.

Otherwise the meeting ran smoothly with the exception that moderator Bernie Narusis put me in a “penalty box,” as Nick Provenzano observed.

He named me parliamentarian and made me sit on the stage.

I told Bernie, who ran for state’s attorney in 1964 while my father was running for county auditor, I wanted to take pictures.

Bernie said I would have a good view from the stage.

He was correct.

Outgoing GOP Chairman Bill LeFew made what turned out to be virtually a cameo appearance.

“It’s been a pleasure, I’ve enjoyed,” he said and apparently left the meeting. He certainly was not in the room when Wickham told of it having been a pleasure to work with him.

After the meeting, it was learned that new by-laws were adopted.

Power, which had been concentrated, was dispersed.

There will henceforth be regular meetings.

= = = = =
Newly elected McHenry County Republican Central Committee Chairman State Rep. Mike Tryon can be seen in the sights of a newspaper camera woman standing next to his newly elected Vice Chairwoman Kathy Kuchta. Next is a head shot of the new treasurer, Fred Wickham.

An audience picture shows how full the room was. Newly elected secretary, Glenda Miller and vice chairwoman, Kathy Kuchta are seen in head shots. Below you can see Young Republicans handing out a leaflet supporting Brent Smith for committee treasurer. Underneath you can see Brett Smith on the left with Wickham next to him. The vote counting committee and watchers for Smith and Wickham are in the next shot.

You can see Smith congratulating Wickham below. That’s me holding up Robert’s Rules of Order. Moderator Bernie Narusis congratulates Mike Tryon down on the left. Finally, a head shot of outgoing GOP Committee Chairman Bill LeFew.

Since there is some more space, I’ll add a picture of Steve Verr of McCullom Lake getting his ballot. That’s outgoing Vice Chairman Rich Mack next to Verr. Mack chaired the bylaw revision committee. Lou Anne Majewski can be seen at the bottom delivering her nominating speech for Fred Wickham.

There were non-committeemen county officials present. I wanted to take a photo of Phyllis Walters, but she didn’t want me to. McHenry County State’s Attorney had no objection as he talked to Algonquin precinct committeeman Patrick Colcernian before the meeting.

Central committee endorsements will take a super-majority vote.

Make no mistake.

The Republican Party primary for state’s attorney is a bitter fight.

And I haven’t even seen Dan Regna’s last $15,000 mailing.

It may end up like the GOP primary fight between Mike Brown and Steve Verr.

That year Brown, who was appointed to the post after State Rep. Ann Hughes (R-Woodstock) resigned, ran against McCullom Lake’s Verr.

It was Verr’s fourth attempt to win the Republican nomination.

Verr lost the bitterly contested fight.

And, Jack Franks won the House seat.

He is so entrenched now that Bill LeFew’s feeble party is not even fielding a challenger.

So, regardless of who wins the nod for McHenry County State’s Attorney, will the loser walk?

And give provide enough votes for a Democratic Party candidate for state’s attorney?

There are some indications that might be the case.

If you want to hear more talk, come to Governors Pub on Randall Road in Lake in the Hills after the polls close and open your ears.

You might even hear the name of the potential optimistic challenger or meet him…or her.

Make no mistake.

The Republican Party primary for state’s attorney is a bitter fight.

And I haven’t even seen Dan Regna’s last $15,000 mailing.

It may end up like the GOP primary fight between Mike Brown and Steve Verr.

That year Brown, who was appointed to the post after State Rep. Ann Hughes (R-Woodstock) resigned, ran against McCullom Lake’s Verr.

It was Verr’s fourth attempt to win the Republican nomination.

Verr lost the bitterly contested fight.

And, Jack Franks won the House seat.

He is so entrenched now that Bill LeFew’s feeble party is not even fielding a challenger.

So, regardless of who wins the nod for McHenry County State’s Attorney, will the loser walk?

And give provide enough votes for a Democratic Party candidate for state’s attorney?

There are some indications that might be the case.

If you want to hear more talk, come to Governors Pub on Randall Road in Lake in the Hills after the polls close and open your ears.

You might even hear the name of the potential optimistic challenger or meet him…or her.