Dupage Policy Journal

The Downers Grove Township Republican Organization hosted DuPage Commissioner Sam Tornatore and DuPage GOP Chairman Jim Zay.  

Noel Manley, a committeeman with the Downers Grove Township Republican Organization (DGTRO), said the pair’s performance was less than desirable.

“DuPage Commissioner Tornatore and DuPage GOP Chairman Zay appeared at our July 10, 2023 DGTRO Committemen’s meeting,” Manley told the DuPage Policy Journal.

“Both were invited by DGTRO Chairman Jack Novak to address concerns raised by committeemen regarding their actions.  Commissioner Tornatore addressed a $1,000.00 donation made by his firm to Democrat Deb Conroy.”

“The commissioner reported that he was invited to the event by a trusted Republican friend.  It was discovered last night that donating to Democrat events is a common practice among Republican leadership. Chairman Zay’s remarks focused on coming together as Republicans and not dwell in the past. Both justified their actions as efforts necessary to protect the budgets of the DuPage County Sheriff’s Office and the DuPage County State’s Attorney’s Office.”

“However, what struck me was the level of indignance both Commissioner Tornatore and Chairman Zay demonstrated in their explanations. Specifically, their justifications were peppered with comments such as, ‘I didn’t have to be here tonight.’ In addition, questions and comments raised by committeemen regarding the lack of support in recent elections, and contributions to Democrat events were simply dismissed or ignored. In fact, there was no effort to demonstrate any humility or contriteness regarding these matters.”

“To compound this presentation, DGTRO Chairman Jack Novak referred to our group of concerned committeemen as anarchists and declared that there is no room for activism in the Republican Party. So it was clear that there was no interest in listening to our concerns, nor a willingness to understand the demoralizing impact GOP leadership’s actions are taking on the rank and file. In fact, the subtext was the exact opposite, ‘Get in line, and shut up. And pay no attention to the man behind the curtain.’”

Zay, chairman of the DuPage County Republican Party, has refused to criticize fellow Republicans who financially and materially supported Democratic candidate Deb Conroy in her campaign for DuPage County Board Chair.

In a letter to the DuPage GOP, Zay emphasized the need for unity within the party and calls for an end to public criticism of fellow Republicans, stating that it only weakens the party and hinders its ability to expand its base.

The statement came after Republican members, including Tornatore and former Board member Donald Puchalski, were outed by the DuPage Policy Journal for making campaign donations to Conroy, drawing attention and controversy within the party.

Another Republican, former DuPage County Board member Pete DiCianni was paid by Conroy’s campaign for marketing efforts to get her elected.

The DuPage Republicans who have thrown in to support the campaigns of Democrats as we Zay drew the ire of former state representative and one-time gubernatorial candidate Jeanne Ives.

Ives, now CEO of Breakthrough Ideas, criticized her fellow DuPage County Republicans for supporting the progressive Conroy's campaign for DuPage County Board Chair, highlighting Conroy's alignment with the Democratic Party's platform and her controversial legislative decisions.

“Democrat policies have destroyed the state of Illinois,” Ives said. “I am disgusted that any of my fellow Republicans would do so or defend other Republicans who do so, especially a fundraiser for Deb Conroy.”

“Conroy is opposed to every single aspect of our Republican party platform.”