Why I Support SB 600

March 25, 2009 by Tony Peraica · 1 Comment
Filed under: Elections, Reform

Below is the text of an email I sent to Illinois Republican State Senators earlier today - urging them to support SB 600.

Dear Republican Legislator:

I write you today to urge you to support SB 600 – a bill that would allow direct elections of Republican Party leadership by the voters.

I realize that there has been much heated debate over this issue – some of which has deteriorated to petty name-calling and political attacks (by both sides).

My intention is not to engage in that fight – but simply to urge action on this important issue.

While some in the Republican Party leadership oppose this legislation on the grounds that it would allow Democrats to infiltrate intra-party elections – I assert that this has already happened.

When certain members of the Republican State Central Committee openly contribute tens of thousands of dollars to Democrat candidates and even have Chicago Mayor Richard M. Daley chair their fundraisers – it is clear that infiltration of our party has already occurred.

The debate over this legislation should not be about the personalities who are supporting – or opposing – it.

The debate should be about the future of our Republican Party. It is clear the current system is not working.

If the choice is between the status quo of electoral failure and giving the rank-and-file members of our party a voice – I strongly choose the latter.

It is unfortunate that the debate over this bill has sparked such an angry, messy, public fight between members of our party.

While I urge support for SB 600 – I also call on the various organizations and issue-based factions of our party to come together in unity to form the winning center-right coalition that will take Illinois back from the special interests and political insiders who have bankrupted our state and continually seek to raise our taxes.

Sincerely,

Commissioner Tony Peraica