Whom to watch in the GOP and what to look for

U.S. Rep. Mark Kirk of Highland Park
Given his financial backing and name recognition, winning the GOP U.S. Senate primary should be a given for Kirk. But watch how he walks the tightrope between conservative and moderate activists in his own party. If he can manage to bridge that divide, it bodes well for Republicans up and down the ballot in the general election.

State Sen. Kirk Dillard of Hinsdale and DuPage County Board chairman Bob Schillerstrom of Naperville
A nasty bout between these two contenders for governor could fracture the all-important suburban vote in the last remaining Chicago-area GOP bastion, DuPage County. If they can play well together, that will pay dividends for the entire party.

Andy McKenna, former party chairman from Chicago 
Before he stepped down as party chairman, the former failed statewide candidate was angling for a U.S. Senate bid, potentially undermining Kirk, even though he praised the north suburbanite’s candidacy and has long blasted divisive primaries. Since stepping down, McKenna has been running for governor, adding to a field crowded with known commodities. But if he does gain steam, can Republicans rally around a latecomer who riled the conservative wing as party leader and angered some moderate forces by running in the first place?

State Sen. Bill Brady of Bloomington and conservative commentator Dan Proft of Wheaton
These gubernatorial candidates are among those seen as representing the conservative wing of the party. If they gain high vote totals, or win, that is a clear sign the party’s active electorate is heading further right, and many think that won’t help a statewide general election bid in the liberal-leaning state.

Attorney general candidate Steve Kim, a Northbrook lawyer, and secretary of state challenger Robert Enriquez, an Aurora businessman
Few expect these little-known contenders to win against Democratic powerhouses Lisa Madigan and Jesse White. But, they could help bring minority voters into the GOP fold. If they can win any attention (and that would require considerable effort), that is a good thing for the party. If they are seen as token contenders rather than a serious outreach effort by the party, the move could backfire.

Roger Keats of Wilmette, candidate for Cook County Board president
To help the party, the former state lawmaker doesn’t have to win his run for Cook County Board president. He only has to draw attention in the general election to bring a focus on Cook County corruption and fiscal issues that would in turn boost the chances of Republican statewide and district-level candidates. “When we’re passing out our nominating petitions, I just say, ‘We’re the team against Todd Stroger,’” Keats told supporters at September’s Cook County GOP convention.
“They all but knock me down trying to get the petition out of my hands, saying, ‘Where do I sign?’’’ Keats is favored in the primary by the GOP establishment, but he is expected to face a challenge.

Illinois Issues, November 2009