Romney? Santorum? Local GOP Is Split

With Illinois becoming a battleground for Republican presidential candidates over the next seven days, local GOP leaders are as split as the rest of the nation.

Patch asked local Republican township committeemen who they're supporting and got varied answers. One, however, ventured that any candidate will have his hands full challenging President Obama in the fall.

Maine Township Republicans

The committeeman of the Maine Township Republicans, State Rep. Rosemary Mulligan (Park Ridge), has announced her support for Romney.

"I'm a pro-choice Republican so I wouldn't back Santorum," she said. "I think he's pretty anti-woman as far as I can tell."

In a straw poll of the Maine Township Republican organization endorsement session two weeks ago, Romney received a clear majority of support, she said.

Moraine Township Republicans

Moraine Township Republican Chairman Lou Atsaves of Lake Forest said, “It’s probably Romney. He is the more moderate candidate. He can go all the way.”

New Trier Township

In New Trier Township, the top elected Republican official is Rep. Robert Dold (R-Kenilworth) who has endorsed Romney.

“I support Governor Romney because he has a record of reaching across the aisle and working in a bipartisan way to get things done,” Dold said. “This is exactly the type of leadership we need to ensure that the Republican Party is an inclusive party, listening to the ideas of everyone and finding common ground on the important issues of the day."

New Trier Township Republican Organization Chairman Bill Cadigan is running as a Romney alternate delegate. 

“He has a favorable message on the economy,” Cadigan said. “He has been a CEO and he ran the Olympics. He has the experience we need right now.”

Niles Township Republicans

Joe Hedrick, the Niles Township Republican Committeeman, is running as a delegate for Santorum, but says the Niles Township Republicans have not endorsed a candidate.

"I don't want to exclude anyone. Several of the people are good people," he said. "After the primary, we want to get together and back whoever the winner is."

West Deerfield Township

Mark Shaw, West Deerfield Township's Committeeman, said, "My feeling is Romney will win because Illinois is a more moderate state. If Romney wins the popular vote it will give him momentum."

Best chance of beating Obama?

Hedrick didn't venture to say which candidate could beat President Obama in November.

"I feel whoever the nominee is; Obama is a very formidable candidate. The polls say it's 50-50--I think he's stronger than that," Hedrick ventured.

The November vote will depend partly on Obama, partly on Congress and partly on how the economy fares, he observed.

"It all boils down to whether you feel you can get a job and whether your neighbor feels he can get a job," Hedrick said.

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