GOP 'Confidentiality' On Durkin Replacement

BURR RIDGE, IL – Republican Party insiders are keeping under wraps the names of the two candidates vying for the House seat left vacant by Rep. Jim Durkin, R-Western Springs.

The party plans to hold a public meeting Saturday to select the new representative.

Asked about whether he would release the names beforehand, DuPage County Republican Chairman Jim Zay said Friday, "That's part of the confidentiality during the process. We won't know until tomorrow."

A day earlier, Zay held out the possibility that the names may be released after the selection committee was consulted Thursday night.

The secrecy means that the more than 100,000 residents in the 82nd District are kept out of the loop until the weekend meeting of party insiders.

Durkin, the House minority leader, resigned unexpectedly last month, expressing unhappiness with the party's direction. Under Illinois law, his party gets the right to select a replacement.

Traditionally, the Democratic and Republican parties are secretive about their selection processes. No law requires otherwise.

The 82nd District includes all or parts of Western Springs, La Grange, Hinsdale and Burr Ridge, among other towns.

The meeting is set for 10 a.m. Saturday at the House Republican Organization office at 16W281 83rd St., Suite D, in Burr Ridge.

For more information, call 217-553-7743 or email jaymesiemer@gmail.com.