SPRINGFIELD — In their weakest position in a generation, Illinois Republicans on Thursday vowed to become relevant again in the Democrat-dominated state, acknowledging the need to reach more voters yet largely avoiding the elephant in the room: indicted former President Donald Trump.
The party faithful gathered in Springfield for their annual day at the Illinois State Fair, which came one day after Democrats gathered in the same space.
There was less to celebrate for Republicans, who have been shut out of all statewide elected offices and relegated to superminority status in the state legislature. The party is also in the minority on the state Supreme Court and holds just three of the state’s 14 congressional seats.
Republican leaders conceded that it will not be “an overnight process,” but they aim to make Illinois “a two-party state” again and then, eventually, flip it red.
State Party Chair Don Tracy said they need to focus on the mechanics of turning out voters and improving their small-dollar fundraising instead of a major overhaul of their message.
Several times, Tracy goaded Republicans to vote by mail or vote early, saying Democrats have superior programs that have allowed them to bank more votes and focus on recruiting new voters, which has made a difference in close races.
Tracy insisted that the party’s messaging on issues like crime, corruption and taxes — largely similar to those deployed before the party recorded steep losses up and down the ballot in 2022 — was not at issue.
“I don’t think the message has been the problem,” Tracy said. “The Democrats keep going farther and farther left, and that just makes the message more resonant. Mostly, we’ve got to get more people out.”
“We got to get more people off the sidelines and chipping in,” Tracy added. “The time where we can rely on a self-funder like the Democrats rely on a self-funder to do everything for them … is over.”
![don tracy](https://bloximages.chicago2.vip.townnews.com/pantagraph.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/4/e3/4e334460-3d48-11ee-8631-1ff7c0e28a5e/64de9685618b8.image.jpg?resize=150%2C113 150w, https://bloximages.chicago2.vip.townnews.com/pantagraph.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/4/e3/4e334460-3d48-11ee-8631-1ff7c0e28a5e/64de9685618b8.image.jpg?resize=200%2C150 200w, https://bloximages.chicago2.vip.townnews.com/pantagraph.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/4/e3/4e334460-3d48-11ee-8631-1ff7c0e28a5e/64de9685618b8.image.jpg?resize=225%2C169 225w, https://bloximages.chicago2.vip.townnews.com/pantagraph.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/4/e3/4e334460-3d48-11ee-8631-1ff7c0e28a5e/64de9685618b8.image.jpg?resize=300%2C225 300w, https://bloximages.chicago2.vip.townnews.com/pantagraph.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/4/e3/4e334460-3d48-11ee-8631-1ff7c0e28a5e/64de9685618b8.image.jpg?resize=400%2C300 400w, https://bloximages.chicago2.vip.townnews.com/pantagraph.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/4/e3/4e334460-3d48-11ee-8631-1ff7c0e28a5e/64de9685618b8.image.jpg?resize=540%2C405 540w, https://bloximages.chicago2.vip.townnews.com/pantagraph.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/4/e3/4e334460-3d48-11ee-8631-1ff7c0e28a5e/64de9685618b8.image.jpg?resize=640%2C480 640w, https://bloximages.chicago2.vip.townnews.com/pantagraph.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/4/e3/4e334460-3d48-11ee-8631-1ff7c0e28a5e/64de9685618b8.image.jpg?resize=750%2C563 750w, https://bloximages.chicago2.vip.townnews.com/pantagraph.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/4/e3/4e334460-3d48-11ee-8631-1ff7c0e28a5e/64de9685618b8.image.jpg?resize=990%2C743 990w, https://bloximages.chicago2.vip.townnews.com/pantagraph.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/4/e3/4e334460-3d48-11ee-8631-1ff7c0e28a5e/64de9685618b8.image.jpg?resize=1023%2C768 1035w)
Illinois Republican Party chair Don Tracy addresses Republicans gathered on the Director’s Lawn of the Illinois State Fairgrounds on Thursday.
Trump’s name was barely mentioned during an hour-long rally held on the Director’s Lawn of the Illinois State Fairgrounds, or at the joint meeting of the Illinois Republican State Central Committee and Republican County Chair’s Association held at a Springfield hotel earlier that morning.
Trump, who is now facing 91 felony charges stemming from four different criminal investigations, is the frontrunner for the 2024 Republican presidential nomination. But he is deeply unpopular in Illinois, where voters resoundingly rejected him in 2016 and 2020.
Many political observers attribute the former president’s unpopularity in the Chicago suburbs, buoyed by conservative positions on issues like abortion and guns, even as he’s helped solidify downstate Illinois as solidly Republican.
But whereas Democrats largely kept their focus on national issues on Wednesday, Republican leaders sought to promote a version of “all politics is local,” hoping to avoid the divisive national topics that have cut them down in Illinois in recent years.
“Why is it always about Donald Trump?” said Illinois House Republican Leader Tony McCombie, R-Savanna, when reporters asked about the former president.
Senate Republican Leader John Curran, R-Downers Grove, said he was concerned “anytime we’re not talking Illinois issues.”
“So whether it’s Donald Trump or any other national issue, it is really the state issues … where we want to drive the message, because we have a lot to address here,” Curran said.
Among them was the issue of corruption, with Republicans referencing the indictment of former House Speaker Michael Madigan and others in his orbit.
Former Madigan Chief of Staff Tim Mapes is on trial now in Chicago on federal perjury charges in a separate but related case.
“Democrats’ tolerance for bullshit might be low, but their tolerance for corruption is apparently sky high,” McCombie told the cheering crowd, a clear reference to Gov. J.B. Pritzker’s comment the day before about alleged lies coming from Republican elected officials. “They’re huddled up right now on yet another trial brought on by bribery, lying and self-interest.”
McCombie made no mention of the charges facing Trump.
U.S. Rep. Darin LaHood, R-Peoria, seemingly alluded to the idea that is time to move on from Trump when he told Republicans gathered that in 2024, “it’s about winning,” and that “politics is about the future, not about the past.”
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U.S. Rep. Darin LaHood, R-Peoria, answers questions from reporters at Republican Day on the Director’s Lawn of the Illinois State Fair on Thursday.
However, asked by reporters afterward, LaHood sidestepped the question, saying he was impressed with the “deep, diverse field” of GOP candidates.
“I’m not in the business of saying who should run for president or not run for president,” LaHood said. “I will say this, as a former federal prosecutor, I believe in the rule of law. But I don’t believe in the unequal application of the law. And that’s what I think is happening.”
Still, even if Illinois Republican leaders wanted to redirect the conversation away from the former president and his legal troubles, there were signs of his continued hold over his party, including Trump campaign signs.
It is a reminder of the conundrum facing state Republicans as the former president is politically toxic, with moderate suburban voters needed to win general elections, but remains a favorite of the party’s downstate base.
This was clear in the Republican primary race for the 12th Congressional District, which features incumbent Rep. Mike Bost, R-Murphysboro, and former GOP gubernatorial nominee Darren Bailey. Both have endorsed Trump.
“It’s bogus, it’s a complete witch hunt,” Bailey told reporters at the fairgrounds on Thursday. “What’s going on should be illegal. We need more attorney generals across the United States actually filing indictments against Joe Biden and many of the other people in office.”
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Former GOP gubernatorial candidate Darren Bailey speaks with a reporter at the Illinois State Fair on Thursday. Bailey is challenging Rep. Mike Bost, R-Murphysboro, in the 12th Congressional District Republican primary.
Bost was not present Thursday, instead appearing with House Speaker Kevin McCarthy at a fundraiser in the Metro East for his reelection campaign.
With this, a face-to-face clash was avoided between the two candidates. Bailey, one year removed from being the event’s headliner as the candidate taking on Pritzker, was not included in the speaking program, but nevertheless made an appearance. He called McCarthy’s presence on behalf of Bost “a sign of desperation.”
“They know they’re in trouble, they know I’m going to win,” Bailey said. “You know, Mike Bost has been very loyal to (Washington, D.C.) and I expect D.C. to be very loyal to Mike Bost.”
Tracy confirmed a few minutes later that the state party was firmly behind Bost in the race. The incumbent held a campaign kickoff event in Murphysboro earlier this week. Bost said Bailey was “desperate for a job” and running to satisfy his ego.
LaHood was the only Republican member of the congressional delegation to attend with the absence of Bost and Rep. Mary Miller, R-Oakland.
Illinois Supreme Court Justice Lisa Holder White, who faces voters next year, also addressed Republicans gathered.
Photos: Illinois State Fair political days through the years
2012 State Fair
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Illinois House Minority Leader Tom Cross, R-Oswego, participates in a rally on Republican Day at the Illinois State Fair Thursday, Aug. 16, 2012 in Springfield.
2012 State Fair
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Republican party supporters participate in a rally on Republican Day at the Illinois State Fair Thursday, Aug. 16, 2012 in Springfield.
2015 State Fair
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Illinois Gov. Bruce Rauner bid $61,000 for the Grand Champion Land of Lincoln steer, during the auction held at the Illinois State Fair, Tuesday, August 18, 2015. Rauner poses with Taylor Donelson, 19, of Clinton, along with country music star Scotty McCreery.
2015 State Fair
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Illinois Gov. Bruce Rauner signals thumbs up as he bids $61,000 dollars for the Grand Champion Land of Lincoln steer, during the auction held at the Illinois State Fair, Tuesday, August 18, 2015. Taylor Donelson, 19, of Clinton, showed the steer.
2015 State Fair
![2015 State Fair](https://bloximages.chicago2.vip.townnews.com/pantagraph.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/d/5d/d5d9282e-1e56-11ed-b1ae-e362a8911d00/62fd2d563542d.image.jpg?resize=150%2C103 150w, https://bloximages.chicago2.vip.townnews.com/pantagraph.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/d/5d/d5d9282e-1e56-11ed-b1ae-e362a8911d00/62fd2d563542d.image.jpg?resize=200%2C137 200w, https://bloximages.chicago2.vip.townnews.com/pantagraph.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/d/5d/d5d9282e-1e56-11ed-b1ae-e362a8911d00/62fd2d563542d.image.jpg?resize=225%2C154 225w, https://bloximages.chicago2.vip.townnews.com/pantagraph.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/d/5d/d5d9282e-1e56-11ed-b1ae-e362a8911d00/62fd2d563542d.image.jpg?resize=300%2C206 300w, https://bloximages.chicago2.vip.townnews.com/pantagraph.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/d/5d/d5d9282e-1e56-11ed-b1ae-e362a8911d00/62fd2d563542d.image.jpg?resize=400%2C275 400w, https://bloximages.chicago2.vip.townnews.com/pantagraph.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/d/5d/d5d9282e-1e56-11ed-b1ae-e362a8911d00/62fd2d563542d.image.jpg?resize=540%2C371 540w, https://bloximages.chicago2.vip.townnews.com/pantagraph.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/d/5d/d5d9282e-1e56-11ed-b1ae-e362a8911d00/62fd2d563542d.image.jpg?resize=640%2C439 640w, https://bloximages.chicago2.vip.townnews.com/pantagraph.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/d/5d/d5d9282e-1e56-11ed-b1ae-e362a8911d00/62fd2d563542d.image.jpg?resize=750%2C515 750w, https://bloximages.chicago2.vip.townnews.com/pantagraph.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/d/5d/d5d9282e-1e56-11ed-b1ae-e362a8911d00/62fd2d563542d.image.jpg?resize=990%2C680 990w, https://bloximages.chicago2.vip.townnews.com/pantagraph.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/d/5d/d5d9282e-1e56-11ed-b1ae-e362a8911d00/62fd2d563542d.image.jpg?resize=1035%2C710 1035w, https://bloximages.chicago2.vip.townnews.com/pantagraph.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/d/5d/d5d9282e-1e56-11ed-b1ae-e362a8911d00/62fd2d563542d.image.jpg?resize=1200%2C824 1200w, https://bloximages.chicago2.vip.townnews.com/pantagraph.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/d/5d/d5d9282e-1e56-11ed-b1ae-e362a8911d00/62fd2d563542d.image.jpg?resize=1333%2C915 1333w, https://bloximages.chicago2.vip.townnews.com/pantagraph.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/d/5d/d5d9282e-1e56-11ed-b1ae-e362a8911d00/62fd2d563542d.image.jpg?resize=1476%2C1013 1476w, https://bloximages.chicago2.vip.townnews.com/pantagraph.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/d/5d/d5d9282e-1e56-11ed-b1ae-e362a8911d00/62fd2d563542d.image.jpg?resize=1738%2C1193 2008w)
Gov. Bruce Rauner pets the Grand Champion Land of Lincoln steer he bid $61 thousand dollars for during the auction held at the Illinois State Fair, Tuesday, August 18, 2015. Taylor Donelson, 19, of Clinton, showed the steer.
2007 State Fair
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Illinois Gov. Rod Blagojevich, seated, shakes the hand of House Speaker Michael Madigan as Madigan walks to the podium to address the crowd during the Democrat Rally at the Illinois State Fair on Wednesday, Aug. 15, 2007, in Springfield.
2008 State Fair
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New Mexico Gov. Bill Richardson, right, and Illinois Gov. Rod Blagojevich, left, participate in a Democratic rally on Governor’s Day at the Illinois State Fair in Springfield, Ill., Wednesday, Aug 13, 2008.
2008 State Fair
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Illinois Gov. Rod Blagojevich is surround by reporters at the Illinois State Fair in Springfield, Ill., Friday Aug. 8, 2008.
2009 State Fair
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Illinois Sen. Bill Brady, R-Bloomington, a Republican gubernatorial candidate, campaigns while at the Illinois State Fair during a Republican Day rally in Springfield on Thursday, Aug 20, 2009.
2012 State Fair
![2012 State Fair](https://bloximages.chicago2.vip.townnews.com/pantagraph.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/e/09/e094d1be-1e56-11ed-a1e2-4325256b5c79/62fd2d683712e.image.jpg?resize=150%2C100 150w, https://bloximages.chicago2.vip.townnews.com/pantagraph.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/e/09/e094d1be-1e56-11ed-a1e2-4325256b5c79/62fd2d683712e.image.jpg?resize=200%2C133 200w, https://bloximages.chicago2.vip.townnews.com/pantagraph.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/e/09/e094d1be-1e56-11ed-a1e2-4325256b5c79/62fd2d683712e.image.jpg?resize=225%2C150 225w, https://bloximages.chicago2.vip.townnews.com/pantagraph.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/e/09/e094d1be-1e56-11ed-a1e2-4325256b5c79/62fd2d683712e.image.jpg?resize=300%2C200 300w, https://bloximages.chicago2.vip.townnews.com/pantagraph.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/e/09/e094d1be-1e56-11ed-a1e2-4325256b5c79/62fd2d683712e.image.jpg?resize=400%2C267 400w, https://bloximages.chicago2.vip.townnews.com/pantagraph.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/e/09/e094d1be-1e56-11ed-a1e2-4325256b5c79/62fd2d683712e.image.jpg?resize=540%2C360 540w, https://bloximages.chicago2.vip.townnews.com/pantagraph.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/e/09/e094d1be-1e56-11ed-a1e2-4325256b5c79/62fd2d683712e.image.jpg?resize=640%2C427 640w, https://bloximages.chicago2.vip.townnews.com/pantagraph.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/e/09/e094d1be-1e56-11ed-a1e2-4325256b5c79/62fd2d683712e.image.jpg?resize=750%2C500 750w, https://bloximages.chicago2.vip.townnews.com/pantagraph.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/e/09/e094d1be-1e56-11ed-a1e2-4325256b5c79/62fd2d683712e.image.jpg?resize=990%2C660 990w, https://bloximages.chicago2.vip.townnews.com/pantagraph.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/e/09/e094d1be-1e56-11ed-a1e2-4325256b5c79/62fd2d683712e.image.jpg?resize=1035%2C690 1035w, https://bloximages.chicago2.vip.townnews.com/pantagraph.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/e/09/e094d1be-1e56-11ed-a1e2-4325256b5c79/62fd2d683712e.image.jpg?resize=1200%2C800 1200w, https://bloximages.chicago2.vip.townnews.com/pantagraph.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/e/09/e094d1be-1e56-11ed-a1e2-4325256b5c79/62fd2d683712e.image.jpg?resize=1333%2C888 1333w, https://bloximages.chicago2.vip.townnews.com/pantagraph.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/e/09/e094d1be-1e56-11ed-a1e2-4325256b5c79/62fd2d683712e.image.jpg?resize=1476%2C984 1476w, https://bloximages.chicago2.vip.townnews.com/pantagraph.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/e/09/e094d1be-1e56-11ed-a1e2-4325256b5c79/62fd2d683712e.image.jpg?resize=1763%2C1175 2008w)
Union protesters, supporters and labor leaders protest Illinois Gov. Pat Quinn saying he is betraying the Democratic party’s tradition of supporting working men and women, on Governor’s Day at the Illinois State Fair Wednesday, Aug. 15, 2012 in Springfield.
2012 State Fair
![2012 State Fair](https://bloximages.chicago2.vip.townnews.com/pantagraph.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/e/4b/e4bfd34c-1e56-11ed-9ca8-f311c7819c74/62fd2d6f3552e.image.jpg?resize=150%2C100 150w, https://bloximages.chicago2.vip.townnews.com/pantagraph.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/e/4b/e4bfd34c-1e56-11ed-9ca8-f311c7819c74/62fd2d6f3552e.image.jpg?resize=200%2C133 200w, https://bloximages.chicago2.vip.townnews.com/pantagraph.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/e/4b/e4bfd34c-1e56-11ed-9ca8-f311c7819c74/62fd2d6f3552e.image.jpg?resize=225%2C150 225w, https://bloximages.chicago2.vip.townnews.com/pantagraph.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/e/4b/e4bfd34c-1e56-11ed-9ca8-f311c7819c74/62fd2d6f3552e.image.jpg?resize=300%2C200 300w, https://bloximages.chicago2.vip.townnews.com/pantagraph.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/e/4b/e4bfd34c-1e56-11ed-9ca8-f311c7819c74/62fd2d6f3552e.image.jpg?resize=400%2C267 400w, https://bloximages.chicago2.vip.townnews.com/pantagraph.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/e/4b/e4bfd34c-1e56-11ed-9ca8-f311c7819c74/62fd2d6f3552e.image.jpg?resize=540%2C360 540w, https://bloximages.chicago2.vip.townnews.com/pantagraph.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/e/4b/e4bfd34c-1e56-11ed-9ca8-f311c7819c74/62fd2d6f3552e.image.jpg?resize=640%2C427 640w, https://bloximages.chicago2.vip.townnews.com/pantagraph.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/e/4b/e4bfd34c-1e56-11ed-9ca8-f311c7819c74/62fd2d6f3552e.image.jpg?resize=750%2C500 750w, https://bloximages.chicago2.vip.townnews.com/pantagraph.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/e/4b/e4bfd34c-1e56-11ed-9ca8-f311c7819c74/62fd2d6f3552e.image.jpg?resize=990%2C660 990w, https://bloximages.chicago2.vip.townnews.com/pantagraph.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/e/4b/e4bfd34c-1e56-11ed-9ca8-f311c7819c74/62fd2d6f3552e.image.jpg?resize=1035%2C690 1035w, https://bloximages.chicago2.vip.townnews.com/pantagraph.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/e/4b/e4bfd34c-1e56-11ed-9ca8-f311c7819c74/62fd2d6f3552e.image.jpg?resize=1200%2C800 1200w, https://bloximages.chicago2.vip.townnews.com/pantagraph.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/e/4b/e4bfd34c-1e56-11ed-9ca8-f311c7819c74/62fd2d6f3552e.image.jpg?resize=1333%2C888 1333w, https://bloximages.chicago2.vip.townnews.com/pantagraph.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/e/4b/e4bfd34c-1e56-11ed-9ca8-f311c7819c74/62fd2d6f3552e.image.jpg?resize=1476%2C984 1476w, https://bloximages.chicago2.vip.townnews.com/pantagraph.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/e/4b/e4bfd34c-1e56-11ed-9ca8-f311c7819c74/62fd2d6f3552e.image.jpg?resize=1763%2C1175 2008w)
Surrounded by booing union members, supporters and labor leaders Illinois Gov. Pat Quinn, right, tries to still greet those attending the Governor’s Day rally at the Illinois State Fair Wednesday, Aug. 15, 2012 in Springfield.
2005 State Fair
![2005 State Fair](https://bloximages.chicago2.vip.townnews.com/pantagraph.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/e/72/e72290ac-1e56-11ed-b99b-33847be5954e/62fd2d7335709.image.jpg?resize=150%2C83 150w, https://bloximages.chicago2.vip.townnews.com/pantagraph.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/e/72/e72290ac-1e56-11ed-b99b-33847be5954e/62fd2d7335709.image.jpg?resize=200%2C111 200w, https://bloximages.chicago2.vip.townnews.com/pantagraph.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/e/72/e72290ac-1e56-11ed-b99b-33847be5954e/62fd2d7335709.image.jpg?resize=225%2C125 225w, https://bloximages.chicago2.vip.townnews.com/pantagraph.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/e/72/e72290ac-1e56-11ed-b99b-33847be5954e/62fd2d7335709.image.jpg?resize=300%2C167 300w, https://bloximages.chicago2.vip.townnews.com/pantagraph.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/e/72/e72290ac-1e56-11ed-b99b-33847be5954e/62fd2d7335709.image.jpg?resize=400%2C223 400w, https://bloximages.chicago2.vip.townnews.com/pantagraph.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/e/72/e72290ac-1e56-11ed-b99b-33847be5954e/62fd2d7335709.image.jpg?resize=540%2C300 540w, https://bloximages.chicago2.vip.townnews.com/pantagraph.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/e/72/e72290ac-1e56-11ed-b99b-33847be5954e/62fd2d7335709.image.jpg?resize=640%2C356 640w, https://bloximages.chicago2.vip.townnews.com/pantagraph.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/e/72/e72290ac-1e56-11ed-b99b-33847be5954e/62fd2d7335709.image.jpg?resize=750%2C417 750w, https://bloximages.chicago2.vip.townnews.com/pantagraph.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/e/72/e72290ac-1e56-11ed-b99b-33847be5954e/62fd2d7335709.image.jpg?resize=990%2C551 990w, https://bloximages.chicago2.vip.townnews.com/pantagraph.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/e/72/e72290ac-1e56-11ed-b99b-33847be5954e/62fd2d7335709.image.jpg?resize=1035%2C576 1035w, https://bloximages.chicago2.vip.townnews.com/pantagraph.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/e/72/e72290ac-1e56-11ed-b99b-33847be5954e/62fd2d7335709.image.jpg?resize=1200%2C668 1200w, https://bloximages.chicago2.vip.townnews.com/pantagraph.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/e/72/e72290ac-1e56-11ed-b99b-33847be5954e/62fd2d7335709.image.jpg?resize=1333%2C742 1333w, https://bloximages.chicago2.vip.townnews.com/pantagraph.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/e/72/e72290ac-1e56-11ed-b99b-33847be5954e/62fd2d7335709.image.jpg?resize=1476%2C821 1476w, https://bloximages.chicago2.vip.townnews.com/pantagraph.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/e/72/e72290ac-1e56-11ed-b99b-33847be5954e/62fd2d7335709.image.jpg?resize=1930%2C1074 2008w)
Illinois gubernatorial candidates from left; Bill Brady, Ron Gidwitz, Jim Oberweis, and Steve Rauschenberger sit together during a Republican Day rally Thursday, Aug. 18, 2005 at the Illinois State Fair in Springfield.
2004 State Fair
![2004 State Fair](https://bloximages.chicago2.vip.townnews.com/pantagraph.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/e/85/e8539cf0-1e56-11ed-9783-fbe898b9695b/62fd2d7535434.image.jpg?resize=150%2C97 150w, https://bloximages.chicago2.vip.townnews.com/pantagraph.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/e/85/e8539cf0-1e56-11ed-9783-fbe898b9695b/62fd2d7535434.image.jpg?resize=200%2C130 200w, https://bloximages.chicago2.vip.townnews.com/pantagraph.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/e/85/e8539cf0-1e56-11ed-9783-fbe898b9695b/62fd2d7535434.image.jpg?resize=225%2C146 225w, https://bloximages.chicago2.vip.townnews.com/pantagraph.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/e/85/e8539cf0-1e56-11ed-9783-fbe898b9695b/62fd2d7535434.image.jpg?resize=300%2C195 300w, https://bloximages.chicago2.vip.townnews.com/pantagraph.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/e/85/e8539cf0-1e56-11ed-9783-fbe898b9695b/62fd2d7535434.image.jpg?resize=400%2C260 400w, https://bloximages.chicago2.vip.townnews.com/pantagraph.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/e/85/e8539cf0-1e56-11ed-9783-fbe898b9695b/62fd2d7535434.image.jpg?resize=540%2C350 540w, https://bloximages.chicago2.vip.townnews.com/pantagraph.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/e/85/e8539cf0-1e56-11ed-9783-fbe898b9695b/62fd2d7535434.image.jpg?resize=640%2C415 640w, https://bloximages.chicago2.vip.townnews.com/pantagraph.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/e/85/e8539cf0-1e56-11ed-9783-fbe898b9695b/62fd2d7535434.image.jpg?resize=750%2C487 750w, https://bloximages.chicago2.vip.townnews.com/pantagraph.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/e/85/e8539cf0-1e56-11ed-9783-fbe898b9695b/62fd2d7535434.image.jpg?resize=990%2C642 990w, https://bloximages.chicago2.vip.townnews.com/pantagraph.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/e/85/e8539cf0-1e56-11ed-9783-fbe898b9695b/62fd2d7535434.image.jpg?resize=1035%2C671 1035w, https://bloximages.chicago2.vip.townnews.com/pantagraph.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/e/85/e8539cf0-1e56-11ed-9783-fbe898b9695b/62fd2d7535434.image.jpg?resize=1200%2C779 1200w, https://bloximages.chicago2.vip.townnews.com/pantagraph.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/e/85/e8539cf0-1e56-11ed-9783-fbe898b9695b/62fd2d7535434.image.jpg?resize=1333%2C865 1333w, https://bloximages.chicago2.vip.townnews.com/pantagraph.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/e/85/e8539cf0-1e56-11ed-9783-fbe898b9695b/62fd2d7535434.image.jpg?resize=1476%2C958 1476w, https://bloximages.chicago2.vip.townnews.com/pantagraph.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/e/85/e8539cf0-1e56-11ed-9783-fbe898b9695b/62fd2d7535434.image.jpg 2008w)
Illinois Democratic candidate for U.S. Senate Barack Obama, left, is surrounded by supporters hoping to get an autograph or shake his hand during Democrat Day at the Illinois State Fair in Springfield, Ill., Wednesday, Aug. 18, 2004.
2003 State Fair
![2003 State Fair](https://bloximages.chicago2.vip.townnews.com/pantagraph.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/e/98/e984b046-1e56-11ed-ae4f-0f700ae987de/62fd2d773515d.image.jpg?resize=150%2C92 150w, https://bloximages.chicago2.vip.townnews.com/pantagraph.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/e/98/e984b046-1e56-11ed-ae4f-0f700ae987de/62fd2d773515d.image.jpg?resize=200%2C122 200w, https://bloximages.chicago2.vip.townnews.com/pantagraph.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/e/98/e984b046-1e56-11ed-ae4f-0f700ae987de/62fd2d773515d.image.jpg?resize=225%2C138 225w, https://bloximages.chicago2.vip.townnews.com/pantagraph.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/e/98/e984b046-1e56-11ed-ae4f-0f700ae987de/62fd2d773515d.image.jpg?resize=300%2C183 300w, https://bloximages.chicago2.vip.townnews.com/pantagraph.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/e/98/e984b046-1e56-11ed-ae4f-0f700ae987de/62fd2d773515d.image.jpg?resize=400%2C245 400w, https://bloximages.chicago2.vip.townnews.com/pantagraph.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/e/98/e984b046-1e56-11ed-ae4f-0f700ae987de/62fd2d773515d.image.jpg?resize=540%2C330 540w, https://bloximages.chicago2.vip.townnews.com/pantagraph.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/e/98/e984b046-1e56-11ed-ae4f-0f700ae987de/62fd2d773515d.image.jpg?resize=640%2C391 640w, https://bloximages.chicago2.vip.townnews.com/pantagraph.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/e/98/e984b046-1e56-11ed-ae4f-0f700ae987de/62fd2d773515d.image.jpg?resize=750%2C459 750w, https://bloximages.chicago2.vip.townnews.com/pantagraph.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/e/98/e984b046-1e56-11ed-ae4f-0f700ae987de/62fd2d773515d.image.jpg?resize=990%2C606 990w, https://bloximages.chicago2.vip.townnews.com/pantagraph.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/e/98/e984b046-1e56-11ed-ae4f-0f700ae987de/62fd2d773515d.image.jpg?resize=1035%2C633 1035w, https://bloximages.chicago2.vip.townnews.com/pantagraph.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/e/98/e984b046-1e56-11ed-ae4f-0f700ae987de/62fd2d773515d.image.jpg?resize=1200%2C734 1200w, https://bloximages.chicago2.vip.townnews.com/pantagraph.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/e/98/e984b046-1e56-11ed-ae4f-0f700ae987de/62fd2d773515d.image.jpg?resize=1333%2C815 1333w, https://bloximages.chicago2.vip.townnews.com/pantagraph.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/e/98/e984b046-1e56-11ed-ae4f-0f700ae987de/62fd2d773515d.image.jpg?resize=1476%2C903 1476w, https://bloximages.chicago2.vip.townnews.com/pantagraph.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/e/98/e984b046-1e56-11ed-ae4f-0f700ae987de/62fd2d773515d.image.jpg?resize=1841%2C1126 2008w)
Illinois Gov. Rod Blagojevich, third from left, his wife, Patti, left, daughter, Amy, second from left, Miss Illinois County Fair Queen 2003 Jamie Bolander, fourth from left, Springfield Mayor Tim Davlin, third from right, Sen. Vince Demuzio, D-Carlinville, second from right, and Illinois Director of Agriculture Chuck Hartke, right, cut the opening ribon of the Illinois State Fair in Springfield on Friday, Aug. 8, 2003.
2003 State Fair
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Illinois Gov. Rod Blagojevich, left, shakes hands with fellow Democrats, sitting from left, Illinois Attorney General Lisa Madigan, Illinois Secretary of State Jesse White, and Illinois State Comptroller Daniel Hynes during Democrats Day at the Illinois State Fair in Springfield on Wednesday, Aug. 13, 2003.
2006 State Fair
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U.S. Sen. Barack Obama is surrounded by reporters as he attends a “Democrat Day” rally at the Illinois State Fair in Springfield, Ill., Wednesday, Aug. 16, 2006.
2007 State Fair
![2007 State Fair](https://bloximages.chicago2.vip.townnews.com/pantagraph.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/e/f7/ef7a8624-1e56-11ed-8a30-cb21c8fc9047/62fd2d81351de.image.jpg?resize=150%2C113 150w, https://bloximages.chicago2.vip.townnews.com/pantagraph.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/e/f7/ef7a8624-1e56-11ed-8a30-cb21c8fc9047/62fd2d81351de.image.jpg?resize=200%2C151 200w, https://bloximages.chicago2.vip.townnews.com/pantagraph.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/e/f7/ef7a8624-1e56-11ed-8a30-cb21c8fc9047/62fd2d81351de.image.jpg?resize=225%2C170 225w, https://bloximages.chicago2.vip.townnews.com/pantagraph.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/e/f7/ef7a8624-1e56-11ed-8a30-cb21c8fc9047/62fd2d81351de.image.jpg?resize=300%2C227 300w, https://bloximages.chicago2.vip.townnews.com/pantagraph.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/e/f7/ef7a8624-1e56-11ed-8a30-cb21c8fc9047/62fd2d81351de.image.jpg?resize=400%2C303 400w, https://bloximages.chicago2.vip.townnews.com/pantagraph.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/e/f7/ef7a8624-1e56-11ed-8a30-cb21c8fc9047/62fd2d81351de.image.jpg?resize=540%2C409 540w, https://bloximages.chicago2.vip.townnews.com/pantagraph.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/e/f7/ef7a8624-1e56-11ed-8a30-cb21c8fc9047/62fd2d81351de.image.jpg?resize=640%2C484 640w, https://bloximages.chicago2.vip.townnews.com/pantagraph.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/e/f7/ef7a8624-1e56-11ed-8a30-cb21c8fc9047/62fd2d81351de.image.jpg?resize=750%2C567 750w, https://bloximages.chicago2.vip.townnews.com/pantagraph.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/e/f7/ef7a8624-1e56-11ed-8a30-cb21c8fc9047/62fd2d81351de.image.jpg?resize=990%2C749 990w, https://bloximages.chicago2.vip.townnews.com/pantagraph.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/e/f7/ef7a8624-1e56-11ed-8a30-cb21c8fc9047/62fd2d81351de.image.jpg?resize=1035%2C783 1035w, https://bloximages.chicago2.vip.townnews.com/pantagraph.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/e/f7/ef7a8624-1e56-11ed-8a30-cb21c8fc9047/62fd2d81351de.image.jpg?resize=1200%2C908 1200w, https://bloximages.chicago2.vip.townnews.com/pantagraph.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/e/f7/ef7a8624-1e56-11ed-8a30-cb21c8fc9047/62fd2d81351de.image.jpg?resize=1333%2C1008 1333w, https://bloximages.chicago2.vip.townnews.com/pantagraph.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/e/f7/ef7a8624-1e56-11ed-8a30-cb21c8fc9047/62fd2d81351de.image.jpg?resize=1476%2C1117 1476w, https://bloximages.chicago2.vip.townnews.com/pantagraph.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/e/f7/ef7a8624-1e56-11ed-8a30-cb21c8fc9047/62fd2d81351de.image.jpg?resize=1655%2C1252 2008w)
Illinois Senate President Emil Jones, D-Chicago, left, and Illinois Gov. Rod Blagojevich, right, confer during the Democrat Rally at the Illinois State Fair in Springfield on Wednesday, Aug 15, 2007.
2012 State Fair
![2012 State Fair](https://bloximages.chicago2.vip.townnews.com/pantagraph.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/f/30/f30e18fa-1e56-11ed-bbcb-bb469aa58c37/62fd2d8735b30.image.jpg?resize=150%2C100 150w, https://bloximages.chicago2.vip.townnews.com/pantagraph.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/f/30/f30e18fa-1e56-11ed-bbcb-bb469aa58c37/62fd2d8735b30.image.jpg?resize=200%2C133 200w, https://bloximages.chicago2.vip.townnews.com/pantagraph.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/f/30/f30e18fa-1e56-11ed-bbcb-bb469aa58c37/62fd2d8735b30.image.jpg?resize=225%2C150 225w, https://bloximages.chicago2.vip.townnews.com/pantagraph.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/f/30/f30e18fa-1e56-11ed-bbcb-bb469aa58c37/62fd2d8735b30.image.jpg?resize=300%2C200 300w, https://bloximages.chicago2.vip.townnews.com/pantagraph.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/f/30/f30e18fa-1e56-11ed-bbcb-bb469aa58c37/62fd2d8735b30.image.jpg?resize=400%2C267 400w, https://bloximages.chicago2.vip.townnews.com/pantagraph.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/f/30/f30e18fa-1e56-11ed-bbcb-bb469aa58c37/62fd2d8735b30.image.jpg?resize=540%2C360 540w, https://bloximages.chicago2.vip.townnews.com/pantagraph.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/f/30/f30e18fa-1e56-11ed-bbcb-bb469aa58c37/62fd2d8735b30.image.jpg?resize=640%2C427 640w, https://bloximages.chicago2.vip.townnews.com/pantagraph.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/f/30/f30e18fa-1e56-11ed-bbcb-bb469aa58c37/62fd2d8735b30.image.jpg?resize=750%2C500 750w, https://bloximages.chicago2.vip.townnews.com/pantagraph.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/f/30/f30e18fa-1e56-11ed-bbcb-bb469aa58c37/62fd2d8735b30.image.jpg?resize=990%2C660 990w, https://bloximages.chicago2.vip.townnews.com/pantagraph.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/f/30/f30e18fa-1e56-11ed-bbcb-bb469aa58c37/62fd2d8735b30.image.jpg?resize=1035%2C690 1035w, https://bloximages.chicago2.vip.townnews.com/pantagraph.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/f/30/f30e18fa-1e56-11ed-bbcb-bb469aa58c37/62fd2d8735b30.image.jpg?resize=1200%2C800 1200w, https://bloximages.chicago2.vip.townnews.com/pantagraph.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/f/30/f30e18fa-1e56-11ed-bbcb-bb469aa58c37/62fd2d8735b30.image.jpg?resize=1333%2C888 1333w, https://bloximages.chicago2.vip.townnews.com/pantagraph.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/f/30/f30e18fa-1e56-11ed-bbcb-bb469aa58c37/62fd2d8735b30.image.jpg?resize=1476%2C984 1476w, https://bloximages.chicago2.vip.townnews.com/pantagraph.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/f/30/f30e18fa-1e56-11ed-bbcb-bb469aa58c37/62fd2d8735b30.image.jpg?resize=1763%2C1175 2008w)
Mike Phillips, of Vandalia, and other union protesters, supporters and labor leaders boo Gov. Pat Quinn in protest saying he is betraying the Democratic party’s tradition of supporting working men and women, on Governor’s Day at the Illinois State Fair Wednesday, Aug. 15, 2012 in Springfield.
2018 State Fair
Gov. Bruce Rauner greets supporters before he takes the stage at Governor’s Day on Aug. 15, 2018, at the Illinois State Fair in Springfield.
2012 State Fair
![2012 State Fair](https://bloximages.chicago2.vip.townnews.com/pantagraph.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/1/5b/15b829d0-e72c-11e1-9094-001a4bcf887a/502c2895a20dd.image.jpg?resize=150%2C100 150w, https://bloximages.chicago2.vip.townnews.com/pantagraph.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/1/5b/15b829d0-e72c-11e1-9094-001a4bcf887a/502c2895a20dd.image.jpg?resize=200%2C133 200w, https://bloximages.chicago2.vip.townnews.com/pantagraph.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/1/5b/15b829d0-e72c-11e1-9094-001a4bcf887a/502c2895a20dd.image.jpg?resize=225%2C150 225w, https://bloximages.chicago2.vip.townnews.com/pantagraph.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/1/5b/15b829d0-e72c-11e1-9094-001a4bcf887a/502c2895a20dd.image.jpg?resize=300%2C200 300w, https://bloximages.chicago2.vip.townnews.com/pantagraph.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/1/5b/15b829d0-e72c-11e1-9094-001a4bcf887a/502c2895a20dd.image.jpg?resize=400%2C266 400w, https://bloximages.chicago2.vip.townnews.com/pantagraph.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/1/5b/15b829d0-e72c-11e1-9094-001a4bcf887a/502c2895a20dd.image.jpg?resize=540%2C360 540w, https://bloximages.chicago2.vip.townnews.com/pantagraph.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/1/5b/15b829d0-e72c-11e1-9094-001a4bcf887a/502c2895a20dd.image.jpg?resize=620%2C413 640w)
Illinois Speaker of the House Michael Madigan, D-Chicago, left, and Gov. Pat Quinn, right, confer as union members, supporters and labor leaders protest on Governor’s Day at the Illinois State Fair Wednesday, Aug. 15, 2012 in Springfield.
2021 State Fair
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Illinois State Sen. Darren Bailey, R-Xenia, a republican candidate for Illinois Governor, visits with supporters during Republican Day at the Illinois State Fair on the Director’s Lawn at the Illinois State Fairgrounds in Springfield, Ill., Thursday, Aug. 19, 2021.
2021 State Fair
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U.S. Rep. Mary Miller, R-Ill., delivers her remarks during Republican Day at the Illinois State Fair on the Director’s Lawn at the Illinois State Fairgrounds in Springfield, Aug. 19.