More McHenry County Blog

Here's the rest of Ouimet's analysis:

In 2004, the McHenry County Democratic Party (the "Party") placed 34 individuals on the ballot for the office of Precinct Committeeman. In 2005, the Party increased the number to 54. This represents a 57% increase in the number of Democratic Precinct Committeeman and Women in McHenry County.

In addition, the number of Democratic ballots pulled in the March 2002 primary totalled approximately 11,283. In 2004, that number rose dramatically to 17,621. Similar to the increase in Democratic Precinct Representatives,the number of individuals pulling Democratic ballots rose by 56% between 2002 and 2004.

Moreover, in 2004, the Democratic Party counted a total of 54 elected and appointed Precinct Committeemen and Women. By the end of this year (2005), the Party will have 100 elected and appointed Precinct Representaives. This is an 85% increase in the numbers between 2004 and 2005.

Conversely, the Republican Party saw a 5% decline in the number of individuals willing to get on the ballot for the office of Precinct Committeeman in 2006.

There can be little doubt that the distinguished gentleman from Crystal Lake, Mr. Ken Koehler, Chairman of the McHenry County Board (Republican), correctly observed that "[t]here are more Democrats moving into McHenry County, so I'm sure they're going to be a force, no doubt about that." See N. Legue, "Fields set in county districts", Northwest Herald (December 20, 2005).

Thus, while the Democratic Party is still the underdog in Republican controlled McHenry County, the upward trend in Democratic numbers is inescapable.

Here's to an emerging multi-party system in McHenry County in 2006 and beyond. Wishing you and your readers a very healthy and happy New Year.

Patrick M. Ouimet
Democrat - Dorr 12.

He agrees with my conclusion,I think, that the GOP certainly has "a poor showing."

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