RNC setting up and marshalling forces for Illinois races

From the post at Illinoize by Abraham Lincoln.

The Republicans are looking for about 30,000 sq. ft. of office space in the western suburbs to serve as a base for field operations in the 6th District, where the GOP hopes to elect state Sen. Peter Roskam to replace retiring U.S. Rep. Henry Hyde, and for efforts in the 8th District, where Democratic incumbent Melissa Bean is being targeted, party insiders report.

The facility also could be used to help the as yet unselected GOP nominee for a seat in western Illinois being vacated by Democrat Lane Evans, and for some local contests.

Much of the cost of the operation reportedly is coming from the Republican National Committee, which also has two staffers in the state working to boost grassroots party activities.

When asked why the RNC was setting up shop in Illinois, ILGOP Chairman Andy McKenna noted:

“The state party has forged a close relationship with the Republican National Committee, and these are very targeted races nationally."