What do Illinois’ former GOP leaders think of the party now?

Ten years ago, Republicans won half the statewide offices in Illinois and held one of two Senate seats here in the form of Senator Mark Kirk. 

Today, most Democrats easily win statewide offices. Illinois is considered as out of reach for Republican presidential candidates as Mississippi and Indiana are for Democrats. 

So what happened? How did the party go from shared governance to struggling for a seat at the table? 

We are joined by three former high-ranking Republican officeholders to talk about the past, present and future of the Republican party in Illinois. 

GUESTS:

Gov. Jim Edgar

Former governor of Illinois, 1991-1999; Republican

Rodney Davis

Former congressman, Republican of Taylorville, IL-13

Managing Director, Cozen O’Connor Public Strategies, Washington D.C.

Jim Durkin 

Former House Minority Leader • R-Western Springs

Partner at the law firm of Croke Fairchild