"GOP Blames Democrats for Burris Selection"

ILGOP Press Release

The Illinois Republican Party has issued a stinging statement on the apparent selection of former Illinois Attorney General Roland Burris to fill Barack Obama's Senate seat, blaming Democrats for refusing to strip embattled Gov. Rod Blagojevich of his appointment powers.

Here's the statement, from Illinois Republican Party Chairman Andy McKenna:

"Illinois Republicans were the first to demand Rod Blagojevich have nothing to do with appointing our next United States Senator.

"Because they went back on their word and refused to strip Blagojevich of his appointment power and pass a special election, Illinois Democrats have created yet another constitutional crisis for Illinois.

"Blagojevich Democrat Roland Burris is emblematic of the old-school, pay-to-play culture that has plagued Illinois for generations and this appointment is another embarrassment for the people of Illinois.

"Once again, Blagojevich Democrats have failed the people of Illinois by refusing to strip Rod Blagojevich of his senate appointment power and blocking a vote of the people."

"Re: Republican Candidates for the Spring 2009 Primary Caucus"

WCRCC Press Release

"The Republican Party of Winnebago County stands by the decision of other Republicans to challenge candidates who voted in the Democrat Primary of 2008 and who are now claiming to be Republican. The Republican Party will maintain our right to defend the integrity of our ballot. Some Republicans may have seen a need to vote in the other Party's Primary in the last election and that is their right. It is our right, however, to ensure that those who seek office to represent the Republican Party, are what they say they are.

"A recent court case clearly states that it is the right of Republicans or Democrats to challenge the validity of a candidate's claim to Party affiliation based on that candidates voting record. It is wrong to claim that a challenge to a candidates credentials based on this court decision is somehow reflective of any Party's "inclusiveness". One such challenged candidate, Mark Bonne, has attempted to make this claim despite the fact he himself used the very same objection to the candidacy of former Fire Chief Bill Robertson for filing as a Democrat while Chief Robertson had in fact voted in the Republican Primary of 2008.

"Mark Bonne's criticism is not only without merit but it is hypocritical for him to complain about the challenge against his candidacy when in fact he leveled the very same challenge against a potential opponent. Ironically, Bonne, who voted in the Democrat Primary, may have standing as a Democrat to challenge Chief Robertson, but he does not have standing to run as a Republican. The Republican Party will not stand by for this nonsense. Bonne's public criticism of the very same Republican Party that he now professes to be allied with proves that he has no allegiances to either Party or consistency.

"As Party Chairman, I will support the Republican candidates who qualify for the ballot and will bear our standard in the April municipal elections."

Jan Klaas, Chairman
Winnebago County Republican Party