James “Pate” Philip let speculation linger Thursday night over whether he plans another run for re-election as chairman of the DuPage County Republican organization.
“I’m leaning that way. I haven’t made a final decision yet,” he said at the DuPage organization’s annual golf outing and summer fundraiser, the first since Democrats swept the statehouse and all statewide offices but one in November.
His plans have been the subject of conjecture for months as Republicans in DuPage–long a bastion of GOP power in Illinois–feel their way toward the 2004 election. Candidates in numerous races took advantage of the gathering at the St. Andrew’s Golf Club in West Chicago on Thursday.
There was Roman Strzala, 66, of Bloomingdale, who said he plans to challenge incumbent Republican Marsha Murphy for the 1st District seat on the DuPage County Forest Preserve Board in the March 16 primary. Such intraparty competition was discouraged in a speech by state Treasurer Judy Baar Topinka, the only statewide elected GOP official.
“Republicans, get smart; no internal fights. Keep the primaries down to zero if you can,” Topinka said.
But a fissure that has opened between Republicans along the Addison and Bloomingdale border has spurred other primary battles.
One is for the state Senate seat vacated by Philip, the former state Senate president. State Rep. Carole Pankau (R-Roselle), who had earlier hoped to be appointed Philip’s successor, is now running for the office. Sen. Ray Soden (R-Wood Dale) was appointed but has promised not to run for re-election.
Addison Republicans are reluctant to give up a seat they have held for decades.
“I think the Addison organization feels they have `ownership rights’–put that in quotes–to the Senate seat,” Pankau said. “For me to become senator, I’m going to have to earn it the hard way.”
Pat Durante, the Addison party organization’s chairman, said he has been meeting with possible candidates this month. One considering a bid is Dennis Reboletti, 34, of Elmhurst, an Addison Township trustee who works as a Will County prosecutor.
“I am taking a hard look at it,” Reboletti said.
With Pankau leaving the House, County Board member Roger Jenisch (R-Bloomingdale) has announced his candidacy for that seat. Even though the district lies largely in Bloomingdale, some Addison officials have suggested they might recruit a primary challenger to Jenisch. It comes in part because of resentment over Strzala’s bid.
“That hasn’t sat well in our organization, and it wouldn’t surprise me if Roger [Jenisch] found himself with one or more candidates runnin against him,” said County Board member William Maio (R-Itasca), who is also an Addison GOP committeeman.
Jenisch’s imminent departure will open up a County Board seat in District 1, which covers the northeast corner of the county. At least 10 people have been mentioned as possible candidates for that race.
