State Rep. Sandack withdraws from GOP chair race, cites gay marriage
Thu. May 16, 2013 8:21 AM by GoPride.com News Staff
illinois state rep. ron sandack (r-downers grove)
photo credit // ilga.gov
Downer's Grove, IL -
State Rep. Ron Sandack of Downers Grove - one of two Republicans publicly supporting Illinois' marriage equality bill - withdrew as a candidate for chairman of the Illinois Republican Party on Wednesday.
"After much contemplation and discussion with several Republican activists, I am withdrawing my name from future consideration," Sandack said in a statement.
Sandack told WBEZ on Wednesday afternoon that he believed his support for same-sex marriage - the same issue that lead to the ouster of former GOP chairman Pat Brady - made his candidacy too controversial.
"The issue is controversial," he said. And I don't wanna be a fight, and that issue to be a fight, when we really oughta be talking about who's best suited to be the next party chairman."
Sandack said he anticipated a "yes" vote for gay marriage when the legislation comes to vote in the Illinois House.
During a protest on May 4, Sandack affirmed he was "yes" vote, according to Windy City Times.
"I truly respect that you're making your voice heard," Sandack told demonstrators. "If the bill is called, I'm on it."
"After much contemplation and discussion with several Republican activists, I am withdrawing my name from future consideration," Sandack said in a statement.
Sandack told WBEZ on Wednesday afternoon that he believed his support for same-sex marriage - the same issue that lead to the ouster of former GOP chairman Pat Brady - made his candidacy too controversial.
"The issue is controversial," he said. And I don't wanna be a fight, and that issue to be a fight, when we really oughta be talking about who's best suited to be the next party chairman."
Sandack said he anticipated a "yes" vote for gay marriage when the legislation comes to vote in the Illinois House.
During a protest on May 4, Sandack affirmed he was "yes" vote, according to Windy City Times.
"I truly respect that you're making your voice heard," Sandack told demonstrators. "If the bill is called, I'm on it."