Township caucus is a farce

January 12th, 2009 at 09:46pm Chuck Sweeny

The farce that is the “Rockford Township Republican Caucus” is Tuesday, Jan. 13 at Flinn Middle School, at 5.

Normally, I’d encourage all Republicans to attend, but looking at the candidate list, I’d say you’re wasting your time.

The “Group of 16″ GOP precinct committeemen who hijacked the February Republican primary are widely suspected of wanting to kick out Highway Commissioner Pete MacKay, a top votegetter who has a mind of his own. But a lot of Republicans protested the caucus, and the Group of 16 Republicans who have a difficult time getting elected to anything, backed down.

So, the only highway commissioner candidate up for nomination at the caucus is — Pete MacKay.

And the only township clerk candidate up for nomination is the current clerk, Diane Mitchell.

The party did not slate anyone to run for township supervisor, probably because no Republican can  beat popular Democratic incumbent Mickey Goral.

So, the only township posts being contested are those for township trustee. Those positions are meaningless except for the $4,000 yearly stipend. About all the trustees have to do is OK the monthly township’s monthly bills.

That’s why I think the turnout at this caucus will be light. Next time, fellas, return to the primary election. It’s much cheaper and more convenient. It might even attract more candidates to the rapidly sinking GOP,  which some leaders seek to turn into God’s Own Party.

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