Sean Morrison stepping down as Cook County GOP chair
Sean Morrison announced Saturday that he will resign effective April 14 as Cook County Republican chairman after nine years, saying it was time to infuse 'new energy' into the GOP leadership in a county dominated by Democrats.
Morrison, a Cook County Board member from Palos Park, said his decision to step down from the GOP post was 'not a new decision' but had been planned in consultation with family and friends to take place after the November general election and last week's local elections.
In a letter to members of the Cook County GOP, Morrison said serving as chairman 'has been one of the great honors of my life' and that he was 'grateful for the support, dedication, and perseverance shown by so many along the way.'
'But now, it's time for new energy,' he said in the letter, dated Friday. 'The future of our party depends on fresh, motivated, and hardworking members to step up and carry the baton forward. I am confident that the next generation of Republican leaders is ready to answer the call.'
Morrison said he was retaining his party roles as chairman of the Palos Township Republican organization and as one of 17 members of the Illinois GOP State Central Committee.
'To those watching from the sidelines — I encourage you to step out from the shadows, gather your courage, raise your voice, and help lead this party with integrity and conviction. Our communities need you,' he said.
Morrison also wrote that 'I remain committed to working diligently to elect common sense, pragmatic Republicans well into the future.'
Morrison was an ally of Keith Pekau, who was defeated Tuesday in a bid for a third term as Orland Park mayor by Jim Dodge, a former village clerk and trustee. Morrison bemoaned Pekau's defeat, saying Pekau had 'demonstrated a deep commitment to responsible governance' and that the election was 'marred by a level of nastiness and vitriol that has no place in public service.'
Still, Morrison said he was 'committed to working collaboratively with the new administration to advance the interests of all Orland Park residents.'
Morrison set April 22 for an election among county GOP leaders to select his replacement for completing the final year of his term. Aaron Del Mar, the head of the Palatine Township Republicans and a Morrison predecessor as county GOP chairman, is considered the favorite to reassume the post.
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