Sandack drops out of GOP chairmanship race over pro-gay marriage stance

While it appeared he was building some support among party members, state Rep. Ron Sandack (R-Downers Grove) is pulling his name out of the running for the next Illinois GOP chairman.

Sandack held the lead in an unofficial poll posted on this blog. He is one of two Illinois House Republicans who has announced he would support a gay marriage bill when it is called for a vote.

“After much contemplation and discussion with several Republican activists, I am withdrawing my name from future consideration,” Sandack said in a statement. I look forward to working hard with the new chairman and together focusing on rebuilding a Republican brand. As I have stated several times, we must be more inclusive to revive and revitalize our party.”

So who does that leave in the running?

• Jack Dorgan from the Northwest suburbs.
• Angel Garcia from Cook County — President of Chicago Young Republicans
• Jim Nalepa
• Cook County Commissioner Tim Schneider
• Mark Shaw Lake County lawyer active in politics up North.
• Don Tracy brother-in-law to Jil Tracy, a state rep from Quincy.
• Joe Walsh one-term suburban Tea Party Congressman
• Lori Yokoyama – failed Cook County State’s Attorney candidate.