More Local GOP Passing On Palin

By Marcus Gilmer in News on May 3, 2010 9:20PM

Looks like Mark Kirk isn't the high-profile state Republican skipping out on next week's visit by Sarah Palin. Other state GOP members, many with upcoming elections in November, are passing on the appearance as well, perhaps none more high-profile than gubernatorial candidate Bill Brady. Kirk had previously said he would miss Palin's May 12 visit, which includes a speaking engagement and a GOP fundraiser, due to work duties as a member of U.S. Congress though Brady's people didn't give an official reason. But there's more. According to the Daily Herald:

The GOP's top suburban congressional hopefuls, Randy Hultgren of Winfield Township and Bob Dold of Kenilworth, aren't showing up either. Nor will suburban area GOP state senators like John Millner of Carol Stream and Dan Duffy of Lake Barrington.

Of course, everyone has a "Aw, man, really? Dude, sorry, I've totally already made plans, I didn't know you'd be in town!" reason ready to go for Palin.

Dold, who is running for Kirk's old 10th District seat in a nationally-watched race, has to attend a fundraiser for a local state representative candidate, campaign spokeswoman Kelley Folino says.

Hultgren's spokesman said the congressional candidate has a previously planned event with a local township GOP group.

And the absences don't have anything to do with keeping candidates away from a potential taint-by-association due to the former VP candidate's new rising status within the controversial (and divisive) Tea Party ranks. Nope. Not at all.