RFFM.org EXCLUSIVE
CHICAGO, IL -- RFFM.org has learned the Illinois GOP will announce on Friday a plan to increase dialogue with the social conservative wing of the Party. According to sources, Illinois Republican Party Chairman Andy McKenna has held a series of meetings with conservative leaders from across the state.
The meetings, which began shortly after last November's general election, are meant to create greater communication between the state's Republican hierarchy and conservative leaders and activists. During recent years, a growing rift has developed between the Republican old guard and social conservatives who believe the Party has intentionally alienated this group for nearly a decade.
Ultimately, a County Chairman's Task Force--which was created in February of this year--will attempt to address the concerns of conservatives, in order to foster enhanced party unity in the future.
When RFFM.org spoke to a high-ranking Republican Party official about the project and the meetings that have already taken place, he said, "This is an impressive group of leaders committed to the political process. If we hope to win elections in this state, we need to work together in concert with the conservative community. These meetings are an important first step."
"I am counting on these meetings as a first step towards healing," said one conservative leader who preferred anonymity. "The meeting I attended was very positive in nature. But, of course, there must be follow up which will eventually lead to greater trust on behalf of all parties involved."
"To say such an outreach effort was necessary would be an understatement," said the conservative leader. "One can only approach Chairman McKenna's effort from a positive standpoint. But the proof will be in the pudding."
RFFM.org has also learned David Curtin, former Executive Director of the Illinois Christian Coalition, will be the project's lead organizer. Curtin told RFFM.org he could not comment on the program at the moment, but an official announcement regarding the Republican Party initiative will be released on Friday, May 18th.
Comments