The ICRC held its seventh Annual Convention on July 25, 2009, in Springfield.  The keynote speech was given by William J. Kelly, the host of "Sportsaholic."  He announced that he's running for comptroller.  We held elections for the steering committee and for officers.  The new chairman is Jon Zahm.  The vice chairman is Andy White.  The treasurer is Earl Gough.  The secretary is Liz Eilers.  The executive director is Phil Collins.

    The ICRC held its 6th Annual Convention, on Sept. 20, 2008, at the Wheaton Bowl. 

    The keynote speech was given by State Represenative Mike Fortner, Ph.D.  He's a scientist who was a West Chicago alderman and mayor.  He tried to use science, in politics, by deciding the best priorities and ways to solve problems.  He tries to save the government money, to prevent tax rate increases, but few state legislators think the same way.  He was asked whom he would support, for governor.  St. Rep. Fortner said that he hasn't chosen anyone and that it's very important to ensure that Gov. Blagojevich loses.

    Elder Johnnie Tyler gave a speech on behalf of Chad Koppie, the ICRC vice chairman, who is the Constitution Party nominee for the U.S. Senate. 

    Allan Stevo, an independent congressional candidate, in the 10th District, gave a speech.  He read the oath that congressmen take and said that few congressmen obey the oath and the Constitution.  He said that he's suing the state, in a federal appeals court, to ensure that his name will be on the ballot.  In his district, the Republican was required to submit about 700 petition signatures, and the Democrats were required to submit about 1,000 signatures.  Independents were required to submit about 10,000 signatures, and Stevo submitted about 7,000.  The case will be heard on Sept. 25.  If you want more details, please read his site, www.stevoforcongress.com.

    Ray Wardingley, the republican nominee for state senate, against Emil Jones, III, gave a speech, "Absolue Power Corrupts Absolutely."

    David McAloon, the republican nominee for state rep., against Careen Gordon, gave a speech, "The Silent Majority."

    During the Steering Committee election, the winners were Bill Leubscher, Craig Simmons, David McAloon, Joe Morris, Earl Gough, Andy White, Mike Psak, Chad Koppie, Liz Eilers, Jacob Dean, Phil Collins, and Don Castella. 

    The Steering Committee held officer elections.  The winners were:  Chairman,  Mike Psak; vice-chairman, Chad Koppie; treasurer, Earl Gough; secretary, Phil Collins; executive director, Jacob Dean.