The RALC picnic – August 2005

The RALC had its summer picnic at the Lakewood Forest Preserve near Wauconda. There were around 125+ people counted and present. As always, there was an abundance of food. Hamburgers, hotdogs, and brats were all cooked over a charcoal grill. The weather was beautiful and not too hot. A freewill donation box was provided and funds were raised for the RALC.

In attendance were a number of the upcoming and present candidates for various offices. Those who spoke were David McSweeney, Kathy Salvi, Teresa Bartels, Aaron Lincoln and Ken Arnold; all running for the U.S. 8^th Congressional District (recently won by Melissa Bean the Democrat). State Rep Bob Churchill, candidate for State Rep Susan Tenzi, State Senator Adeline Geo-Karis and others also attended the picnic. Warren Township Supervisor Sue Simpson, challenging Adeline Geo-Karis for the State Senate, did not attend. Jim Oberweis sent ice cream with his campaign manager, Joe Wiegand.

Jim Leahy and his kids came out (it was his son’s 5^th birthday). Bob Bednar, Chris Boreland, Carol Schubert, Linda Webb, Leah Williams, Pete McCarthy, Julian Muskat, and several others attended the picnic. A good time was had by all and there was plenty of food leftover for everyone to take something home. (The RALC isn’t known for going hungry.)

It’s worth mentioning that Raymond Poe, candidate for IL Lite Governor, had promised to sponsor and provide all the food for the RALC picnic. After committing to the leadership months ago, he cancelled his commitment before the picnic.

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On a side note: The RALC, and it’s Executive Board, is not, at this time, endorsing anyone for any office but uphold the right of everyone who wants to run the opportunity to run for office. We will be holding a Forum for both IL Governor and the 8^th Congressional District later in the season and we will be endorsing candidates at some point. The regulations and voting procedures are being worked out at this time. We generally have a straw poll (unscientific) of all attendees taken immediately following the Forum.

Incidentally, the last RALC Forum straw poll for the Republican US Senate candidate was almost point-for-point a reflection of the IL Primary results (with the exception of Tom McCracken who had dropped out of the race before the election).