The Putnam County GOP is talking about its next steps following the November election.
This spring, especially during April, there will be local races in Putnam County, mostly municipal. For those races, the GOP usually does not get too involved because of their non-partisan nature.
“We do have one that's running in a partisan race that I know of, and that is Randy Borough, and he is running for mayor (of Hennepin)," Alma Toedter, chairwoman of the Putnam County Republican Central Committee in Hennepin, told the Illinois Valley Times.
Toedter doesn't know if he has an opponent yet.
Kevin Coleman is the current mayor. In 2015, Coleman and the water board made a significant change in Putnam County, where they voted to raise local water bills. A Village of Hennepin publication said there was a 20 percent increase.
Additionally, Coleman also has been active in seeking job growth in Putnam County. In 2015, he and Princeton City Manager Jeff Clawson told citizens of the newly developed Economic Development Corp. of North Central Illinois.
Trudy Sandberg, secretary for the Putnam County GOP Committee, told the Illinois Valley Times, in regard to the upcoming spring campaign season, said it's a bit early to look ahead.
"We do not know who is running at this point," Sandberg said. "The state attorney and representative races are already done, so it is kind of slow right now."
Toedter also said it's too early in the cycle.
"It's Christmas, so we have no idea who is running,"
Toedter said. "We should know in a couple of weeks."
For races in Putnam County, the GOP usually supports the GOP candidate running for office.
"95 percent of the time, we support the Republican candidate," Sandburg said, adding that prior to the primary, "candidates have to declare a party."
Toedter also was pleased with the win.
"The Putnam County GOP is taking it easy since Trump won," Toedter said. "It was a long, long race, and we are very happy with the outcome."
In addition to a Republican gaining the presidency, Putnam County also elected a Republican for the county's state's attorney position. Christina Mennie will soon begin her new role in Springfield.
Spring elections will be held in Hennepin, the county seat.
The Putnam County GOP prides itself on advocating for strong candidates with values and says on its website: "The Republican Party of Illinois is the party of Abraham Lincoln and Ronald Reagan, with a proud tradition of support for freedom, opportunity and integrity," the website said. "We will return to our roots through dramatic reforms that can unleash the great potential of the individuals of this state – not the size and reach of government."
Alerts Sign-up