Michel says state GOP has work to do

BLUNT TALK | Calls party here 'weak,' wants more ground forces

MINNEAPOLIS -- A lion of the Illinois Republican Party called the state GOP organization "weak" Thursday in a blunt assessment of how much Republicans still must do to rebuild from the ruin left by George Ryan's corrupt tenure as governor.

Former U.S. House Minority Leader Bob Michel -- who embodies the golden mystique of the Reagan era because he personally guided much of President Ronald Reagan's legislative agenda through Congress -- delivered the bitter pill to Illinois delegates as they wrapped up their convention week.

"That's why we don't have a constitutional office in Illinois, we don't have a senator in Illinois, because our organization has been weak," said Michel, a Peoria native who was one of the state's most powerful congressmen during a 39-year career.

"All the polling ahead of time doesn't mean two hoots unless you have the ground forces to get the vote on Election Day, and we just haven't had that the last several years," Michel said.

While Michel received a standing ovation from Illinois delegates after his remarks, which included memories of his first Republican convention in 1952, the mood during his straight talk was somber.

Afterward, one top GOP leader said it was clear to him that Michel was focusing on past Republican failures, not what is happening now with the party.

"I think he's talking about the past. He certainly can't be talking about today," said Senate Minority Leader Frank Watson (R-Greenville). "We've had our problems. There's no doubt about the fact we have. But we are rebuilding, and I think that's what he was talking about."