Will County Republicans are preparing for the consolidated election this spring with a number of fundraisers and other opportunities for voters to interact with local candidates.
The Will County Republican Central Committee (WCRCC), as it is officially named, lists its principles on its website as limited government, lower taxes and traditional values.
The upcoming fundraising events, some of which include food, music and trivia, are in preparation for the April 4 Consolidated Election. The Will County Clerk’s office website contains links to register to vote by mail, as well as detailed information about polling places and deadlines to register. The office lists 419,280 registered voters as of Jan. 21.
Upcoming WCRCC events include a fundraiser for Debbie Kraulidis, who is seeking re-election for Plainfield Township trustee. Her fundraiser will be held 5:30-8 p.m. on Jan. 31 at Cemeno’s Pizza, 1630 Essington Road, in Joliet. The cost to attend is $35 per person or $60 per couple. There are sponsorships available.
James Louch will also be hosting a fundraiser in conjunction with the WCRCC as he seeks election as Lockport Township clerk. Louch will be at Embers Tap House, 933 S. State St., in Lockport, 5:30-8 p.m. on Feb. 2.
The cost to attend is $40 per person or $75 per couple, which includes two drink tickets as well as food. Those who wish to contribute but cannot attend can mail checks to Friends of James Louch, 1012 Runyon Drive, Lockport, IL, 60441.
The Joliet Township Republican Organization is holding a “trivia party” fundraiser at Cemeno’s Pizza in Joliet 6-9 p.m. on Feb. 9. This fundraiser includes prizes, raffles and trivia contests for both teams and individuals. The cost is $30 per person, which includes both food and drinks. A cash bar will be available. For tickets or more information, contact the Joliet Township Republican Organization or email Barbara Adams at bkadams44@gmail.com.
Diane Harris will also be hosting a fundraiser at Cemeno’s Pizza as she seeks election to the Joliet City Council. Her fundraiser will be held 5-7 p.m. Feb. 28 at a cost of $35 per person.
Steve Balich is seeking election to the Will County board and will be holding a fundraiser at Mullets Sports Bar & Restaurant, 14903 S. Bell Road, in Homer Glen, at a cost of $35 per person. Those interested in these or any upcoming WCRCC events can view the organization’s calendar of events on its website.
WCRCC reminds voters that the Consolidated Republican Primary Election will take place on Feb. 28.
Early and grace period voting for Homer Township voters in the primary will begin on Jan. 19 and continue until Feb. 28 at the Will County Clerk’s Office, 302 N. Chicago St., in Joliet, during normal business hours. There will also be early and grace period voting for Homer Township Feb. 14-17 and Feb. 21-24 at the Homer Township Offices, located at 14350 W. 151 St., in Homer Glen.
For Homer Township only, the Consolidated Republican Primary Election polls will open at 6 a.m. and close at 7 p.m. on Feb. 28. For more detailed information about polling times and locations, visit the Will County Clerk’s Office.
In other party news, the WCRCC reported that Reps. Margo McDermed, Mark Batnick, Grant Wehrli, Jim Durkin, Lindsay Parkhurst and David Welter were all sworn in as members of the Illinois House in Springfield. Each of the Republicans has a portion of Will County to represent.
The WCRCC also extended its congratulations to Lindsay Parkhurst for her election, defeating a two-term incumbent Democrat in what the group has called a “stunning landslide upset” for the 79th District in Kankakee County, which includes Will County precincts in eastern Illinois.
WCRCC was also pleased to report that Reps. Margo McDermed, Mark Batinick, Grant Wehrli and Jim Durkin, and Sens. Christine Radogno and Mike Connelly -- all of whom represent parts of Will County -- were among the legislators who received the 2017 American Conservative Union awards.