WurfWhile

From today’s Naperville Sun:

“With more than 50 people at the county government complex and state House Republican leader Tom Cross flanking him, [Robert] Schillerstrom [announced his re-election bid for DuPage County Board chairman]
….
Cross said Schillerstrom’s greatest asset is his ability to cooperate with Democrats….

‘In order to be successful you have to talk to both sides, even with Democrats.’”

It’s an interesting statement for the Republican House Leader to make, because while it’s certainly true (on both sides - but particularly when you’re in the minority), it’s also certainly well understood. Tom Cross himself is relatively moderate, and years back Rod Blagojevich even did a fundraiser for Cross in Yorkville. I don’t know as much about Schillerstrom that way, although he certainly has worked with Democrats, like former state representative and now lobbyist Glenn Schneider. Cross’ message, however, can be taken a whole host of ways beyond the surface, from public positioning (for Cross or Schillerstrom) to warning (for Schillerstrom). It certainly wasn’t an offhand compliment. It will be interesting to see if Robert Schillerstrom starts making public movements towards working more with Democrats - or if House Leader Cross is seen doing more, or less, than usual himself.

A final thought to add to the mix, Tom Cross and Robert Schillerstrom have found themselves on opposite sides of issues (e.g. Edward Hospital expansion in Plainfield), and their political approach does genuinely seem quite different. Smart money might be on a public warning to Schillerstrom - the demographics in Naperville and DuPage are trending Democrat….