When good politics go bad, was it really just bad to begin with?

For many years the Du Page Democrats were led by the famous “Droogan” family.  The name might sound familiar, as one Droogan ran for Mayor 13 years ago against Roger Claar.  Since his campaign, his family has been involved in local politics, even though he has moved out of state.  They have carried on a tradition… or have they?

Last year we featured stories about the local Democratic Party and how little they have done in the community.  Have they featured enough strong candidates?  Have they done enough fundraising?  Are they interested in turning over the local Republican dominance?

This past year saw great changes to the party.  Local resident Tom Braxton was voted in as the Chair and the Droogan was voted out.  This led to some bitter feelings.  However, rumor amiss, one of the Droogan’s were never totally devoted to the cause and in fact, kept the party back so that the Republican’s could continue to win.  Given that, some have stated that this person was a underground Republican.  Kept in power to keep the Dems out of local offices….  However this could just be a rumor... or is it?

Since the change of Chairman, we have seen a new light in the party.  It seems that the people in the party generally care and are very friendly.  They seem to be bonding together and forming a good base to which to grow. 

However, suspicion about the former chairman and his family were recently answered by their support of a Republican candidate for the local election.  It was even told that one Droogan brought a Republican’s nomination papers to a meeting and asked for signatures, even though there were Democrats running!  It was even alleged that this family is going against what the party has asked, is blogging negative things about their party members and is trying to sabotage their chance at winning.  The party has asked that all those voting in the local elections support Cozy Nash, Bob Bowen, and Rhonda Reed Slaughter.  They disagree and are upset that the party is not taking their recommendation for the Republican.  But guess what?  They are asking for support from the wrong party!  What are they still doing, going to the meetings now anyways?  Are they the "inside" plant?

Since this person thinks that the Republican candidate is more worthy, they have staged an inside attack with the Dems.  Is it getting even or is it insider sabotage?

We think it is the best interest for the new chair to step up and do what he does best… Reign in the group, issue leadership in one direction, and ask the Republicans to leave the room.  It is a Democrat meeting after all, and Republicans and their strong supporters are not welcome!

On the second front you have the Independent Party launching full gear.  This party does not support anything other than local elections, which is non-partisan and independent.  We have been hearing that this party is working with the Dems to do hand to hand combat.  One party support the other on local elections and in return, the other party supports the other in larger elections.  This seems a fair joining of parties.  It is rumored that this is a test run to see if the Dems pull their share to get their support later. 

Although this is just a current rumor, seeing Bob Bowen and George Smith attend the Dem party would make sense since they are Independent.  If this is the case, the Dems might start pulling ahead in the larger races.  George and Bob are local political forces to watch out for.  They have masses of followers, structured teams in place, and some of them are wealthy enough to make an impact to the Dems fundraising efforts. 

While these forces are gaining strength, the local Du Page and Will County Republican Parties are losing strength.  Their forces are splitting due to the Tea Party movement opposition to the corrupt leadership of Kavanaugh and Claar. 

If all this pulls together this year, the next set of elections will be strong.  The current Republican hold might be crumbling in Will County and we could start to give the areaback to the residents.  We look forward to see how this will work out!