Former State Sen. Steve Rauschenberger, a lobbyist working for Rod Blagojevich's largest campaign fundraiser, wants to be Illinois next Republican National Committeeman.
From an email he sent to County Republican Chairmen:
On June 6-7, we Illinois Republicans will gather at the state convention in Decatur and choose our next Republican National Committeeman. I'm emailing you because I've been approached by some Party leaders and queried about submitting my name as a candidate for the post.
However, before I did that, I wanted to seek your counsel and input.
It's my understanding that there are several fine individuals who are potential nominees; and I hope to support whoever our new National Committeeman may be. Like the others, I would be willing and honored to serve. But only if you and my fellow Republicans determine that I'm the best choice.
After fifteen years in the State Senate, I believe my record has probably been pretty well vetted and is certainly well known. My approach to public and Party service has always been to solve problems, and to work with (and unite) Republicans, while advancing the principles of smaller government, lower taxes, individual freedom, and traditional values.
Since leaving the State Senate last year, I've become an Illinois small businessman, and am working hard to lower our unemployment rate and increase our tax base. But, I've not retired from our Party or its activities! I've continued to work hard and invest in building and strengthening the Illinois GOP. Among other things, I'm currently serving as President of the United Republican Fund, which has been actively working with party organizations in recruiting, training and funding state-level GOP candidates in preparation for this November.
As you and I are painfully well aware, our Party is facing some challenging times. We Republicans must work together and find solutions. Our state, our Party, our communities and our kids deserve no less. On that we can all agree.
Fact is Illinois' next Republican National Committeeman will have a tall job ahead of him. If chosen, I cannot promise success. But I can promise that I would represent the Illinois Republican Party with the dedication, integrity, hard work and professionalism that it deserves.
Therefore, I'd very much appreciate your thoughtful consideration of my possible candidacy; and your candid advice and feedback as to whether I should run.
Please feel free to contact me at any time. Thank you for your service and potential support.
Steven J. Rauschenberger
Rauschenberger Partners, LLC
551 Tollgate Road, Ste B
Elgin, IL 60123E-Mail: senator@srauschenberger.com
(I've removed his phone numbers, as he included his home number and I didn't want to publish it without permission.)
For some reason, even though some Illinois conservatives think Rauschenberger is some sort of Republican ideal, I think replacing Bob Kjellander with Steve Rauschenberger as Committeeman would be like making no change at all.
Actually Rauschenberger sounds pretty good. I've met Ray LaHood from back when he was contemplating the governor's race a couple or so years ago. Why dont you like him? I would like to know what are the problems with him in your opinion.
"Why dont you like him?"
Well, for starters, he's a hypocrite. He's working in the lobbying firm of Blagojevich's largest campaign contributor while holding himself out there as some example of GOP purity.
And his primary campaign for Governor/Lt. Governor two years ago really soured me on him.