McLean County Republican Chair Connie Beard set to resign

Posted on December 13, 2022
Dennis Grundler will assume his newly appointed position as chairman and immediately. (Photo courtesy Connie Beard)

By Jake Fogal

BLOOMINGTON – McLean County’s Republican Party Chair is stepping down.

Connie Beard announced Tuesday that she is resigning her seat and Dennis Grundler, the vice chairman of the committee, will take over as her successor and lead the county party in her place.

Beard released a statement Tuesday morning.

“I have been a volunteer in the party for over 18 years and enjoyed nearly 5 years serving in the position of chairman.  Due to a local change of residence and family needs I must pass the privilege of serving our local GOP to Dennis.  He will complete my term which will end with the primary of 2024.

I am extremely grateful for the support I have been given over these years and friendships that have developed. There will be a couple of months of personal tasks I must tend to, but I will return to helping behind the scenes in a new role as Chairman Emeritus.  As we have lowered the average age of our GOP board considerably with our last convention, I am pleased and confident that Dennis will be able to lead our party with fresh ideas and vigor.  The fight for our founding principles must carry on and I pray the younger generations will pick up the torch and lead.  Our family is staying in Illinois so I will continue to work for a better McLean County.  This community is worth the sacrifice.”

Dennis Grundler will assume his newly appointed position as chairman and immediately begin working with the other county chairmen from State Senate District 53 to find a replacement for Jason Barickman, who recently announced his resignation, as well as to fill the seat being vacated by State Representative Keith Sommer of the 88th District.

Jake Fogal can be reached at [email protected].

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