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Government

Rock Island County Political Party Leaders on the Primary

Rock Island County GOP

Republicans in Rock Island County will have lots of candidates to vote for in Tuesday's primary. While democrats will have a full slate.

Mike Steffen, Chair of the GOP Central Committee, says nine republican candidates are running for county board. So, there are only four districts without a GOP candidate. In county-wide races, Steffen found candidates for all except Treasurer and Regional Superintendent of Schools.

To find more candidates, Steffen and other GOP officials looked in the voter rolls for "solid" republicans. And they're trying to attract more women and minorities. For example, the party's candidate for sheriff is Keko Martinez. And Glen Evans is an African American who's running for state representative in the 72nd District.

In addition, Steffen says the Illinois House Republican Organization has been much more supportive since GOP State Senator Neil Anderson beat democratic incumbent, Mike Jacobs, and State Representative Tony McCombie defeated Mike Smiddy, another democratic incumbent.

Credit Rock Island County Democrats Facebook page
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Rock Island County Democrats Facebook page

Doug House is the Chair of the Rock Island County Democratic Central Committee. He says the only local primary contest that's garnered interest is the sheriff's race, between incumbent Gerry Bustos and former sheriff, Jeff Boyd. 

Recently Steffen asked the Rock Island County Clerk how many people are registered to vote. He says the number has dropped to 85,000 when in the past more than 100,000 were listed on the county's voter rolls.

Government
Officially, Michelle's title for 28 years was WVIK News Editor. She did everything there is to do in the newsroom and whatever was needed around the radio station. She also served as Acting News Director from September 2023 - January 2024.