Why the @ILGOP needs @edsullivanforil In order to have a future

Back in November, we covered State Representative Ed Sullivan Jr's potential 2014 GOP Primary and how a few folks (I'd hate to call them Republicans based on their actions) are flailing about in an attempt for relevancy.  "Nothing but class there" is how Cap Fax's Rich Miller put it.

At that time, Sullivan's opponent wasn't officially on the ballot.  Now, according to the Illinois Review, he official is a candidate.  And what do they mention in the lede?  Sullivan's vote for gay marriage in Illinois:

State Rep. Ed Sullivan - one of three GOP House members that voted to legalize same sex marriage last month - will face a primary contest. Sullivan and State Rep. Ron Sandack (R-Downers Grove) were moved into GOP House leadership positions when State Rep. Jim Durkin (R-Western Springs) took over as caucus leader this fall.

Bob Bednar, also of Mundelein, filed Monday morning to challenge Sullivan on the March 18, 2014 primary ballot.

Now, Bob Bednar *might* be a fine guy. Might even make a good State Representative. But, guess what, folks? The 51st District already has a GREAT State Representative in the form of Eddie Sullivan Jr.

(Funny to think that if Bednar won, he's would likely join the 'kids table' for tantrums along with Jeannie Ives...)
 

Back to the matter at hand:  Re-Electing Ed Sullivan.

So...if we're reading things correctly, Sullivan draws this primary because he voted for gay marriage?  That's what the Illinois Republican Party has come to.  If that's the case, we might as well fold up the shop, pull down the ILGOP.org website and call it a day.

If we EVER want to have anything close to majorities in the Illinois House and Illinois Senate, as Republicans, we need to stand BEHIND folks like Ed Sullivan Jr.   

For those "holier-than-though" nutjobs, let me fill you in on a little secret:  Let's play a game of addition, not subtraction in the party.  Let's focus on what really matters - which is changing the direction of Illinois.  What's the biggest issue?  The State's finances.  The pension bill just passed this week.  Does it fix things?  Not really.  

What's that mean?  The budget and finances are going to continue to be front and center.  51st District voters....Guess what you have?  A guy - in Ed Sullivan - who been recognized as a leading expert on revenue and budget issues. In addition, Sullivan currently serves as the Republican Spokesman on the Consumer Protection Committee and a member on the Revenue & Finance Committee.

Come on, ILGOP.  Let's do what is right here.  Let's have a future for our party.  Together.  Starts with Sullivan.  And Sandack.  And Pihos.  And Kinzinger.