I know I’m not the only one that’s frustrated with our State. Governor Rod Blagojevich is corrupt, Todd Stroger is inept and the rest of the Chicago Machine is trying to install their children into office against the wishes of everyday voters. The budget is broken. People are loosing their jobs. Nothing is getting fixed. The state is teetering on collapsing. We need a clean break with the past. We need to reform the way government works in Illinois. We need new leaders.

I’m convinced that Illinois needs Tom Cross. Right here. Right now. Check out the new site here.

I know Tom from seeing him work on issues that he’s passionate about. From lower taxes to smaller government to ensuring that our morning commutes are as painfree as can be, Tom has been working for all Illinois residents. I’ve seen it too on other issues like Stem Cell Research, the environment, and healthcare. Tom Cross would run an honest, open, transparent campaign that voters of all stripes could rally behind.

The problem? He’s not in the race for governor. Yet. That’s where you all come in. It is a scary time for Illinois Republicans. We just had President Elect Obama sweeping all but a handful of counties, 2 Congressional losses, a handful of legislature losses and more.

The Democrats are going to run a full slate of candidates all emerging from the corrupt Chicago Machine and will be bankrolled by trial lawyers and special interest groups who all have their hand in the Springfield kitty.

Why would Tom want to join this race?

Because he can win. We need to show him that he will have support among voters in 2010. Check out It’sTimeForTom.com and join the movement today.

Last night, we - as a party - lost 3 seats in the Illinois House, 2 Congressional seats (Hastert, Weller), did not really compete for a US Senate Seat, lost and failed to hold plenty of county-level offices, and now we have a Chicago Democrat in the White House (We wish him well!). This is what’s known as rock-bottom.

That’s a lot of damage to our party- and a lot of votes for “change”.

Seems to be clear that the Illinois Republican Party need some change of our own. And fast.

Right around the corner, we have an election in 2010 that will feature Blagojevich and Crew in the Statewide offices, Todd Stroger up for re-election as the Cook County Board President, 3 Congressional seats we should be competing in, and a slew of Illinois House and Senate seats at play. In order to be in a position to even compete for those races, Illinois Republicans have a lot of preparation ahead of us. We need to make a hard reset of the party.

The Democrats deserved to win yesterday. To be clear, Republicans here in Illinois lost for a few reasons:

1. We didn’t connect with voters on issues they care about (smaller gov’t, taxes, environment, cronyism, retirements, hospitals, roads, security and schools).
2. President Elect Obama’s coattails were awfully long in the Chicago suburbs (And Bush’s were awfully short, too).
3. Republican’s didn’t put up the candidates voters wanted.

There are plenty of things we can take away from this drubbing. Most importantly, Republicans need to view this as a cleansing. A clean break from the past. We need to focus on new ideas, new energy, and new priorties. Among them are our new media campaign(s), idealogical rigidness, and crafting an Agenda for Illinois that resonates with voters.

The immediate reaction from the right wing of the ILGOP - the Family Taxpayer Network folks - will be a “blame the Combine” scream. Other folks like Dan Proft and Fran Eaton will say that we need to return to the core tenents of the party platform where we can appeal to the base. To be perfectly honest, we can’t discount their opinions any longer. We arrived where we are with some help from George Ryan, but also because what we’re doing as a party simply isn’t working. Now, I’m not willing to throw in with those guys completely, because their knee-jerk reaction is to point the blame at Party Chair Andy McKenna and insiders like Ron Gidwitz and Governor Jim Thompson. “Those guys caused this.” That’s a natural “outsider” reaction. However, it is NOT the answer. Sure, the leadership is at fault, but there are deeper problems than who’s name is on the letterhead for the ILGOP. I’m not as concerned about the “head” of the party as I am with the “tail”.

In order to be successful in 2010, we need reform in how we run the party, reform how the party organizes, and reform in the issues we bring to voters.

Although they’ll try to make it an “us vs. them” stance, trust me, the base Conservatives needn’t go that route. As a Republican, I know that we need to bring the Jack Roeser Crowd into the fold - we probably need to do that more than ever. At the same time, we also need to widen our reach and bring even more people into the Party. We do this by talking to voters. Figuring out what’s important to them. When we do that, we’ll soon see that it isn’t abortion or gay marriage, it is their retirement package and their property tax bill and access to hospitals and their awful commute in the mornings and the environment. The Conservatives won’t agree with this, but after last night, it is plain to see that we need to build bridges, not fences.

On the important issues of the day, Republicans have an opportunity to speak directly to the voters of Illinois. Congressman Mark Kirk was close with his “Suburban Agenda” - but we need to do more. This is where folks like Fran Eaton, Henry Treftz, Dan Proft, Brian Timpone (all conservatives) and Dan Curry, David Dring and Kevin Artl need to play a role a key role. We have some of the smartest young minds in the State who are members of the party. Let’s sit down and craft an Agenda for Illinois - together. This can’t be a top-down move. It won’t work or be effective if it is. This agenda needs to be driven from and come from the bottom up. This new Agenda for Illinois is the basic building block upon which the new Illinois Republican Party is built upon.

We start today by investing heavily in new media. Does that mean we should just put up a website or a blog? No. That means we need to engage voters online everyday. We need to leverage the web for fundraising, organizing, and mobilizing. Where is our text message address database? How many friends do we have on Facebook? How many views did our videos get on YouTube? Are the local reporters following our candidates on Twitter? This isn’t inside-baseball stuff. This is blocking and tackling in the new media world.

Here’s what needs to be done. And done now.

1. Build the movement online - Let’s organize online around issues all Illinois voters care about.
2. Recruit the best candidates - We need candidates who can connect with suburban, city, and downstate voters.
3. Advocate on the issues people care about - Getting out of a primary should not be our top concern.
4. Refrain from being a rigid party - Making room for voters of all shapes and sizes is the path to victory in Illinois.

This is a tough, hard climb. But we can do it. We need to grab the Illinois Republican Party by the scruff of its neck and pull it out of the gutter. We do this one day at a time, one voter at a time, one hyperlink at a time.

GOP New Media Maven Patrick Ruffini points out that while it is possible to build a ‘movement’, at the foundation of a successful campaign is the candidate. Greg Hinz talks about the Republicans needing a “White Knight” to ’save’ the party. Do we have such a person? I’m not sure. But one thing I am confident in: if we are to compete in 2010 on a Statewide-level (and we **should**), we need to look to our best candidates - the ones who can connect with voters across Illinois. Notice a new Republican Congressman from Peoria? Or Peter Roskam and Mark Kirk - the Congressmen from the Chicago Suburbs? Or how about the House Republican Leader Tom Cross? Too often, we’ve looked to “self-funder’s” as candidates-of-last-hope. That’s the wrong approach. If we field the right candidates, the money will find them. We can help by putting together a “draft” movement to get these folks out in front of the race. You, too, can help.

As for the issues, lets look to our best and brightest to help craft our Agenda for Illinois. The party has a platform. That’s an essential part of the party structure. This Agenda is different. It demonstrates that we’re not a rigid, idealogically driven party. Sure, we have core beliefs about issues. But at the same time, we’re also pragmatic folks who think that we can bring some of the necessary solutions to cure Illinois woes (and right now? there’s lots of ‘em!). Getting out of the Republican Primary shouldn’t be our biggest goal. Where a candidate stands on gay marriage needn’t disqualify her from being on our ticket. We need to focus on issues that bind voters in Illinois - not point out ones that divide us.

When it comes to the online campaign, Illinois Republicans are trying, but we’re simply not executing well. The party needs to create the infastructure to connect the efforts online. What’s Senator Dan Rutherford doing that can help in the suburbs? What’s Fran Eaton and crew doing with Illinois Review that can drive donations online? The network needs to be expanded and nurtured. Let’s look to folks like Gordy Hulten, Curt Mercadante, Henry Treftz and Brian Timpone to lead online.

Finally, as I’ve done myself in the past, we can’t afford to cast aside Republicans who make a lot of noise, but who we disagree with. I’m thinking of people like Dave Diersen, Senator Chris Lauzen and Doug Ibenthal. Although, we most often do not agree, we can and should, as a party, use their energy for great things. The party needs to put them to work on helping change Illinois and spreading the message of our new Republican Agenda.

If you’re interested in helping shape this Agenda for Illinois, drop your information into the form below. Together, we can Reset the Party.

The most interesting/challenging part was the invitations. We had really cool, but girly, wedding invitations (as they should be, right?) With 2008 being an election year, my political instincts kicked in for these invites. Last week, we mailed them to our friends and family. I’m really pleased with how they turned out. Guess who’s not at the top of the ticket!

(here’s a bigger version)

After the wedding, we’re off on a 3 week honeymoon, then we’ll hopefully be settled into our new/old house. Keep your fingers crossed for us!

(here’s a bigger version)

I’ve lived in the most incredible condo in Frankfort, Illinois for the past (almost) four years. I bought it pre-construction and was lucky enough to pick out all of the finishes. The time has come to move on and I’m parting ways with my home. It was my first, but won’t be my last. We’ve priced it incredibly (considerably below what others have sold for!) and this place is really looking for someone to love it as much as I did. There are NO better condo’s in all of the southwest suburbs. I can guarantee that! (Seriously!)

The details can be found here on the realtor’s site. For a condo, it really has an incredible kitchen and is a great place to host a party. It’s walkable to downtown Frankfort (2 blocks) where you can drink German beer at the Hoffbrau House, hang at the Village Green, and eat italian at Francesca’s. If you know anyone looking in the southwest suburbs for a maintenance-free life, make sure they check this place out. We want to sell it to you!

It is with a heavy heart and much emotion that I submit my resignation from the Frankfort Village Board of Trustees effective Friday, April 4, 2008.

Our country’s democracy was founded on the premise of “citizen democracy” and service. Leaders were elected, worked for their constituents and when their time was up, they went home. Increasingly today, we’ve moved away from that model to one of career politicians. I admire our Founding Fathers and their contributions to our country not only for what they did, but how they served their country and then went on with their lives. With that notion in my mind, it is time for me to step away from Village government.

With additional responsibilities at work during the day including an increasing amount of travel, coupled with the upcoming nuptials to my wonderful fiancé Natalie, my ability to focus on Village of Frankfort matters is not where it needs to be. Stepping away from the Board at this time is the right thing to do for the residents of Frankfort. Their interests are at the top of my mind.

The past five years have been a wonderful experience and I relish the time spent with you and the entire Village Board as well as past Clerk Tom Bartkus, current Clerk Kate Romani and former Mayor Ray Rossi. I’ve learned a lot from all of you. I appreciate your patience with me and your support on my many initiatives including the Hybrid Vehicle Tax Waiver, impact fee increases, ethics ordinances, and downtown wi-fi.

We’ve accomplished quite a bit in the five years since I’ve joined the Board, but there is more work to be done. With the steady hand of Administrator Jerry Ducay and your leadership, I’m certain that I’m leaving the residents of Frankfort in very capable hands. The Board will continue to lead Frankfort forward in both economic and quality of life issues.

Frankfort is such a special place and the Board is entrusted to ensure that it remains that way for future generations. I wish you and the Board much success. Don’t forget to keep growth in check and continue to uphold extraordinarily high standards for development. Also, don’t forget to consider the people of Frankfort in all of your decisions – they’re what make Frankfort a truly special place.

Thank you, mostly, to the residents of Frankfort who have twice voted to allow me to represent their interests on the Board. It has been an honor to do their work.

I couldn’t have gotten this far without help from my family and friends - most notably my Dad. With his hard work, he propelled me to office. I’ve met some incredible people throughout this process. Greg Griffin will be a lifetime friend. I appreciate his efforts on my behalf. During my time in office, I’ve lost one good friend - Dan Hattan - someone who guided me and provided counsel in tough times. For that, I will be forever grateful.

I’ll give my time on the board a more thorough post-mortem another time. For now, all I can say is “Thanks and I’ll see you guys around town.”

Whodathunk?

The other part of Thanksgiving that I like is the traditions. From the family, to the food, to the weekend cutting down of the Christmas Tree - it’s all fantastic fun. While all of those traditions were started without me and I’m simply a participant, there’s one tradition that I’ve started that makes me enjoy Thanksgiving morning. While most Americans are tuning into Matt Lauer and Al Roker to watch the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade, at my place we’re watching The Last Waltz - and watching it LOUD!

I’d tell you that you should be doing the same, but I’ve already done that in years past!
2004
2005
2006

All that stands in the Illini’s way from a New Years Day Bowl Game and possible BCS bid are the Wildcats from Northwestern this Saturday. Should be a slam dunk win for the Illini, no? It should.

I’ll be going nuts, rooting for the boys from Champaign-Urbana, right?

Ummm….

Not so fast.

What? Am I questioning my allegiances? Sorta.

At age 29, with a day job that I love and a fiancé pursuing her PhD full-time, the time couldn’t be more right for me to head back to school and get an advanced degree. Earlier this fall, I applied to a few part-time MBA programs around town and was excited to be admitted to both at the University of Chicago Graduate School of Business and Northwestern’s Kellogg School of Management – my two top schools. After much deliberation, discussion, research, and a bit of hemming-and-hawing, I have finally settled on attending Kellogg. The decision wasn’t so much “against” the University of Chicago, as it was “for” Kellogg and Northwestern.

They’re both highly respected programs (and I’m honored to be admitted to both), but at the end of my evaluation, the program at Kellogg seems like a better fit both professionally and personally. I’ll be working towards a concentration in marketing and entrepreneurship and the team-based environment and real world curriculum will allow me to maximize my time in the classroom. I’ve thought and thought and thought about this decision – it certainly is a big one – and with the help of Equation Boy/Man and Natalie’s dad, I think I made the proper one. Equation Boy/Man helped me more than I can ever have hoped for. I am very grateful for his assistance, advice, and dirty rushing.

There are plenty of other people who helped me through the process including Rick, Tom, Natalie, my Dad, and Patrick. I couldn’t have done all of this and made a decision without their help and for that, I’m extremely grateful.

It’s a 2-3 year commitment, but one that should set a strong foundation professionally for me in the years to come. Balancing work, travel, school, a new marriage, and social time will certainly be difficult, but it is a challenge I’m up for tackling. I have a few more significant changes planned personally, but I’ll save those for another post. Today, I’m celebrating my admission to a new school – and being a Wildcat! Orientation at Kellogg is coming up soon, so I’ll have to get my purple gear from the bookstore in the coming weeks and get registered for classes soon.

So…will I be wearing one of those silly “split” jerseys like Brady Quinn’s sister did last year on Saturday? Half orange, half purple?

No way. I know where my roots are…

GO lLLINI!

Let’s talk about strategy and why I believe the Tom Cross and the House Republicans made a great move. As a side note, I think Ron Huberman, who inherited this mess at the CTA is a good man, but he needs to bring the focus of his scapel internally before he starts crying externally. Cut some middle management out of the budget before you start cutting routes. I won’t delve into that subject (as it’s just a side note!) in this post, but just stick to the political implications of this standoff.

Let’s fast forward a few years to 2010. There will be a Governor’s race between Lisa Madigan and the GOP nominee. Now…let’s just say that the nominee was Tom Cross - the House Republican Leader. Let’s say that he’s taking a page from Congressman Mark Kirk and his “Suburban Agenda“. Where’s Cross going to get his votes? Mostly from outside the City of Chicago, right? Is Lisa going to use this against him in the City with commuters? Sure she will. But, he’ll be able to counter much of that with the discussion about transit not being a one-and-done issue. It requires a regional approach and the region needs road money as much as it needs mass transit money.

Cross will further be able to buttress his work for Chicago by pointing to his successes with both O’Hare and Midway Airports. Of course, Tom Cross recognizes that Chicago is THE economic engine for the State of Illinois and it needs to be supported. The O’Hare Airport expansion couldn’t have happened without HGOP votes, and Cross ensured that the future of air transportation stays strong with a healthy and expanded O’Hare Airport. Transit isn’t the only issue that’s facing folks in Chicago. What about jobs? I know Tom Cross and his policy staff are thinking about job related issues like keeping the technology scene moving along in Chicago. That’s a subject near and dear to my heart. They are working on ways to keep folks from who are interested in technology from fleeing to the West Coast. The Illinois Math and Science Academy is in Cross’ district. He knows what a gem of an institution it is. He also knows that the University of Illinois in Urbana produces some of the smartest engineering minds in the land (including my very own brother-in-law Equation Boy/Man). He’s going to develop policies to keep these kids in Chicago and working in the field that they love: technology. Do that, and we’ll all come out ahead.

Getting back to the CTA, I know Tom Cross a bit and I know that he actually rides the CTA. Not in the Mayor Bloomberg way for show, but actually to get somewhere. When he takes his son, an avid Cubs fan to Wrigley, he rides up there from the loop on the Red Line. He attends countless dinners, meetings, and events in the great city. He isn’t an ideologue who hates the city and thinks Chicago doesn’t deserve the funding for mass transit, he just understands that fixing just one part of the problem is the proper solution. Doing what’s right for the region is what’s right for Chicago and he’s going to try to ensure that the solution is comprehensive.

In the end, blocking the CTA’s money grab while protecting the suburbs was a wise political move for the future for House Republican Leader Tom Cross or for any GOP leader. When he needs to, he’ll have every Mayor and suburban leader championing his cause - saying he stuck up for the area’s roads in the face of the Chicago Democratic Corruption Machine. His work isn’t done, because he’ll still loose if he gets whitewashed in the City. But…turning some of those young commuters his way is doable. By pointing to the GOP’s success in Chicago with an expanded O’Hare and the votes to lead to a Midway Lease by Mayor Daley, coming up with some solid policies to keep the tech industry humming along in the city, along with a smart press, political and web strategy, he’ll have it licked.