MLKR CONNECTS WITH SUPPORTERS ACROSS CENTRAL ILLINOIS

BUILDING BRIDGES: RECENT VISITS TO TAZEWELL, PEORIA, AND WHITESIDE COUNTIES

The Martin Luther King Republicans recently had the privilege of connecting with friends and supporters across central Illinois through two significant events that reinforced our commitment to building conservative coalitions throughout the state.

TAZEWELL/PEORIA LINCOLN DINNER: CHARTING A PATH FORWARD

Dr. Jimmy Lee Tillman, II, and Communications Director Ebony Tillman attended the prestigious Tazewell/Peoria Counties Lincoln Day Dinner, where RNC Chairman Michael Whatley served as the keynote speaker, delivering a powerful message on how to replicate national Republican success in Illinois.

Chairman Whatley discussed the challenges of being a Republican in Illinois, noting that only three of the 17 House seats are under Republican control, and outlined a strategy focused on "Great candidates running great races, getting out the vote, and protecting the ballot." His message resonated strongly with attendees as he explained how Republicans can turn areas from blue to red by finding top-notch candidates at the local level, including mayors, city councils, and school boards.

We were honored to witness the exceptional leadership of Jim Rule of Tazewell County, whose dedication to conservative principles continues to inspire grassroots efforts throughout the region. Illinois State Party Chair Kathy Salvi was also in attendance, demonstrating the unified commitment of the Republican community to breaking Illinois Republicans out of their super-minority status.

The evening was significant for MLKR as we were overwhelmed by the love and appreciation from many supporters we hadn't seen since the 2020 senatorial race. Numerous attendees mentioned that they receive our Vanguard newsletter and copy and share the information with their local groups — a testament to the reach and impact of our grassroots messaging efforts, a success we should all be proud of.

The venue staff and program were excellent, creating the perfect atmosphere for meaningful political dialogue and relationship building.

WHITESIDE COUNTY: GRASSROOTS ENGAGEMENT AT ITS FINEST

Our visit to the Christian Conservative Coffee Club of Whiteside County, held at the Harvest Bakery in Erie, Illinois, provided an intimate setting for substantive political discussions. Dr. Tillman explained the recent clemency granted to Larry Hoover and the strategic implications of this move to increase young Black male voter participation — a direct counter to new Democratic plans aimed at recapturing this voting bloc that abandoned them in the last two elections.

The discussion was robust, with attendees asking thoughtful questions about the Trump administration's plans for seniors, veterans and tariff policies. Dr. Tillman committed to forwarding these important community concerns to the White House, demonstrating MLKR's role as a bridge between grassroots America and national leadership and the value we place on your questions and concerns.

Dr. Tillman also shared insights from his recent trip to the White House, explaining how the America First agenda benefits all Americans, regardless of their background or geography. This message particularly resonated with the rural Illinois audience, who appreciated seeing how conservative policies benefit both urban and rural communities.

BUILDING MOMENTUM ACROSS ILLINOIS

These visits reinforce MLKR's commitment to building relationships across Illinois' diverse political landscape. From the formal elegance of the Lincoln Day Dinner to the intimate conversations at the coffee club, our message remains consistent: conservative principles unite Americans across racial, geographic, and economic lines.

The enthusiasm and engagement we witnessed in central Illinois proves that the appetite for conservative leadership extends far beyond traditional strongholds. As Chairman Whatley emphasized, success comes from great candidates running great races — and MLKR is committed to supporting that vision throughout Illinois.