Lobbyist Jack Dorgan front-runner for new GOP chair

Lobbyist Jack Dorgan is the front-runner in the search for the new GOP Chair to replace Pat Brady, several Republican sources said Thursday.

The Illinois Republican Committee is to vote for its new leader in a Saturday meeting in Springfield.

Dorgan, who is also a Rosemont Village Trustee, does not yet have the needed 50 percent-plus-one majority votes from the panel, but he’s closer than the remaining seven candidates, a knowledgeable source told the Sun-Times. Attorney Mark Shaw, businessman Jim Nalepa, Angel Garcia, Don Tracy, Lori Yokoyama and Joe Walsh are others still on list.

— Other developments: Cook County Commissioner Tim Schneider, who was once rumored to be the front-runner, has withdrawn his name from contention.

— Former U.S. Rep. Joe Walsh is the only candidate not to provide a resume yet and is not actively calling people asking for support. (It’s thought that a party leadership role would threaten Walsh’s new radio gig).

— Each candidate will have five minutes to address the public before the committee goes into private session with the candidates.