McLean County GOP chair seeks unity after primary battles

Posted on March 21, 2018

*McLean County Republican Party Chairman Chuck Erickson is retiring from the post next month. He said the GOP has to stop internal bickering to defeat Democrats this fall.*
*(Photo courtesy Facebook/Chuck Erickson)*

By Howard Packowitz

BLOOMINGTON – Republicans have no choice but to unify despite contentious primary races for governor and a local state house seat, according to the head of McLean County’s GOP.

County Chairman Chuck Erickson said Democrats are hungry, and Republicans have to match their desire.

“If we split apart and don’t take them on, they will take us down,” said Erickson.

“So, we’re going to have to unify as a party and fight hard just like they’re willing to fight hard. We’ve got to match their energy. We’ve got to match their stamina. We’ve got to match their desire,” Erickson said.

He believes party unity won’t be that hard, particularly after 105th District State Rep. Dan Brady and challenger David Paul Blumenshine ran an “extremely civil” race.

“I went to their debate that they had a few weeks ago, and I thought it was very civil,” said Erickson.

“Every time I’ve talked to Dan or I’ve talked to David, they’ve both been civil. They’ve never had bad things to say about the other. Everybody’s always been complimentary of the other. I hope that carries over after the election,” Erickson added.

Brady, the veteran incumbent, won the right to face Democrat Ben Webb in November. Incumbent Gov. Bruce Rauner survived a strong primary challenge from conservative State Rep. Jeanne Ives.

Erickson leaves his job April 18 when the party picks a new county chairman.

Howard Packowitz can be reached at [email protected]

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