By Howard Packowitz
BLOOMINGTON – McLean County’s major political parties have new chairmen to lead them into the November election and beyond.
Democratic precinct committeemen selected departing McLean County Board member Erik Rankin to replace union organizer John Penn, who’s retiring after 34 years as chairman.
“One of the two people that nominated me for the position was John Penn,” said Rankin.
“I have a great relationship with labor. They have supported me in all of my elections. I think that we will continue that symbiotic relationship and they’ll be great partners for the Democratic Party moving forward,” Rankin said.
He defeated Patrick Cortesi for the position. Long-time co-chair Dorothy Deany dropped out of the race and was elected the party’s vice chair.
Rankin, 41, advises undergraduates in Illinois State University’s Department of Politics and Government. Rankin is in his third and last term as District 9 county board member, representing south Bloomington.
The fact that Rankin is a public officer holder sets him apart from Penn.
“We’re very different people. I’m also a person who’s been in the public light because I’ve been an elected official on a legislative body, where John (Penn) has been in control of a party for 34 years,” Rankin added.
McLean County Republicans chose local realtor Connie Beard to replace outgoing chairman Chuck Erickson. Beard had no opposition after Normal Town Councilman Scott Preston removed his name from consideration.
“Spreading an understanding of Republican principles through persuasive, reasoned discourse is a key to winning hearts and votes in November. We are the party that understands the economic stress our state is under and consider it imperative that a Republican majority is in the state house and our county board to stop the loss of jobs and increased taxation.”, said Beard in a news release.
Libertarians selected Steve Suess to be their chairman. He’s running for the District 8 county board seat covering Bloomington’s west side.
“We will continue to run candidates in local elections. We will continue to petition for referenda on local ballots. We will continue to fight for a voice at the table, and we will continue to push for smaller government, civil rights, and more freedom,” said Suess in a news release.
Howard Packowitz can be reached at [email protected]
