Your DuPage GOP: History on the March!

From your Chicago Tribune:

DuPage County Republican Party Chairman Kirk Dillard is looking to pass on the reins of the state's most powerful GOP stronghold -- and state Senate colleague Dan Cronin is lining up support to succeed him.

Dillard, a Hinsdale state senator, said he was being pulled in too many directions with his recent appointment as the Senate's Republican whip, his two young daughters and his work for a law firm. As county GOP chairman, Dillard said, he attended 182 meetings last year for an unpaid job that took up to 50 hours a week -- all to preserve the party's near-perfect electoral record in the increasingly diverse western suburbs. ***

"While DuPage County is still solidly Republican, the job is much tougher today than it's been in DuPage County's history. Just ask Peter Roskam," Dillard said. ***

While stopping short of endorsing Cronin, Dillard said he "is a winner and he presents the right image and is articulate." Cronin (R-Elmhurst), 47, an attorney who has served in the state legislature since 1991, said he was "thrilled" at the possibility to lead a party "in need of fortification." No other potential candidates have stepped forward.

DuPage County is shifting blue and the GOP leader is stepping down because the job is taking its toll... So what important DuPage issues are the Republican leaders addressing via letters to the editor this week? Mr. Dillard's letter to the Sun-Times:

I enjoyed your "Celebrating Black History Month" piece on Muddy Waters (Feb. 13). Unfortunately, you failed to mention that McKinley Morganfield (a k a Muddy Waters) lived in suburban Westmont after he lived on Chicago's South Side. more.

Hmmm... Making sure that Westmont gets its due in a story about Muddy Waters is a pressing issue, but surly Mr. Cronin will address something more topical than a legend who died in 1983... Right? Mr. Cronin's letter to the Chicago Tribune:

This is in response to Eric Zorn's column "Obama-Lincoln comparisons favor new guy" (Metro, Feb. 13). Now I've heard it all. ***

Obama is a charming young man who has been catapulted into the stratosphere because of a vast media network that wants to make him into something he may not be. Frankly the more appropriate comparison of Obama and a past president would be: Barack Obama is today's Jimmy Carter more.

One day, perhaps, Republican leaders will address the many issues facing DuPage County voters in this century.