The Illinois State GOP made their love of local business magnates official yesterday, anointing Martin Ozinga, of Ozinga Cement fame, as their candidate the 11th District congressional seat left open by Jerry Weller's retirement. The party picked Ozinga as a replacement candidate after New Lenox Mayor Tim Baldermann dropped out of the race. "We are excited to have Marty on the ticket," said Illinois Republican Party Chairman Andy McKenna in a statement after the decision was announced Wednesday morning. Ozinga will face Democratic State Senator Debbie Halvorson and Green Party candidate Jason Wallace in the fall. more ›

Ozinga Concrete launched a large ad buy last week on WLS-AM (890) radio. The ads, which promote a porous, environmentally friendly concrete, mention the Ozinga name eight times. Which wouldn't really be news if Marty Ozinga, who owns the company, didn't want to run for congress this year. more ›

Although he hasn't yet gotten the nod to run, concrete magnate Martin Ozinga is getting ready to be the replacement candidate in Illinois's 11th District congressional race. more ›

What is it about the Illinois state GOP and their mega-crush on local business tycoons? more ›