Chicago Republicans

The sin of omission sometimes produces more disasterous results than acts of violence. While guilt is impossible to assign and no one is obligated to help develop the Chicago Republican Party, the natural leaders who could have made an impact, have not.

The wealthiest Republicans and leaders of industry in Chicago have done little in Chicago during Mayor Daley's reign of patronage terror. These leaders have chosen to develop at least a working relationship with Daley, if not an actual friendship. Either through fear of retribution or a desire to avoid ackward social moments, there has been no interest by the wealthy to develop the Chicago Republican Party. Winning only an extra 3-5% in Chicago determines Republican candidate's fate in statewide races.

All Chicago business leaders learn Mayor Daley has only one immutable rule. You can enjoy the city and make tons of money, but you are forbidden to oppose the Mayor politically if you value your business.

The big dog of the wealthy Chicago Republicans is Pat Ryan. Ryan is founder and executive chairman of AON Corporation, the world’s largest insurance and reinsurance intermediary, and a global leader in risk management.

Pat Ryan was once chairman of the Illinois Republican Party's Executive Finance Committee. There is usually little difference between the Chairman of the State Party and Chairman of the State Party's Finance Committee. This is not necessarily a bad situation as the chief fundraiser needs to be motivated to raise money.

At a fundraising dinner for the Illinois Republican Party several years ago, Pat Ryan stood up and said, "As members of the Illinois Republican Party's Finance Committee, we are extremely happy to have selected Andy McKenna, Jr. to be next chairman of the Illinois Republican Party." Technically, the 19 members of the State Central Committee select the party chairman by weighted vote, but "Master's of the Universe" really do run everything.

Pat Ryan is close personal friends with Mayor Daley. Ryan's family has even vacationed in Ireland with the Mayor Daley's family. His close personal and professional relationship was highlighted when he was appointed by the Mayor to lead the Chicago 2016 Olympic bid.

Pat Ryan has been actively politically on a statewide and national level, but has done little to develop the party in Chicago. There are rumors Ryan may be interested in helping GOP candidates in Chicago.

Equally impressive and very close friends with Pat Ryan is Andy McKenna Sr. McKenna is chairman of both McDonalds Corporation and Swartz Paper. He is also on the AON board of directors. McKenna also served with Ryan on the Illinois Republican Party Finance Committee and was appointed by Mayor Daley to be Chairman of Chicago's 2016 Olympic bid. McKenna's son, Andy McKenna Jr., was the immediate past-chairman of the Illinois Republican Party. McKenna Jr. recently ran for Governor.

Both Andy McKennas have been politically active on a statewide and national level, but have done little to develop the party in Chicago.

The "Masters of the Universe" stay close together. They are wealthy and powerful and know it is beneficial to stay networked with other wealthy and powerful individuals. As Ryan and McKenna go, so goes Ty Fahner, Craig Duchossois, Michael Kaiser, James Kenney and others.

Ron Gidwitz is an interesting case. He loves politics and is actively involved both running for Governor and recently headed Kirk Dillards fundraising. He is frequently cited as the Republicans best chance to run for Mayor. He has responded, "Mayor Daley is a close personal friend of mine. I will never run against Mayor Daley."

Prior to running for Governor, Gidwitz did contribute to then Chicago GOP Chairman Clark Pellett. He has continued some support under Eloise Gerson. He has headed major initiatives in the past, such as spearheading the important Karmier for Illinois Supreme Justice race. He has the political itch, skill and fundraising ability. He was rightly dissappointed in the electorate's general unresponsiveness when he ran for governor. It will be interesting to see if Gidwitz makes any major moves in the future.

The major notable exception is Jim Pritzker. He comes from a military background and is the one Pritker who gets it. He is wealthy enough to not care if even his family is tight with Daley and Obama. He is immune to Daley's potential retribution and believes conservative values are worth supporting. He has been consistently generous.

The broad picture starts emerging when it is known many of the elected Chicago "Republicans" are either Democrats or in collusion with the Democrats, business leaders are scared, and the wealthy have chosen to lay down for the Chicago Democrats. 

Who is left to fight?