IL GOP Chaiman Pat Brady must have a political death wish, or else there is no hope for Republicans in Illinois (hmmm. . .) Rowe was notorious back when former 10th District Rep. Mark Kirk followed his advice and voted for Cap and Trade legislation – a move that spurred such a negative backlash in his North Shore district that Kirk reportedly burst into tears. Now the state chairman, who recently tried to innoculate two Republican candidates for governor (Dan Rutherford and Aaron Schock) by spearheading Republican support for the recent gay marriage vote in the Illinois legislature*, is planning an event March 19th to honor Rowe – who has been a major Democrat donor for years. National GOP Chairman, Reince Priebus will be joining him.

*Brady did manage to get ONE Republican legislator on board for the vote.