Illinois Republicans to Commemorate Reagan's 100th Birthday
Illinois Republican Party Chairman Pat Brady today announced that the state party will host a special tribute to Ronald Reagan in honor of the late President’s 100th birthday. The event is planned for February 6, 2011 in Chicago.
“This will be a great time to celebrate the birthday of Ronald Wilson Reagan, our nation’s 40th President,” said Brady. “Reagan was born in Tampico in 1911, grew up in Dixon and later attended Eureka College. Illinois was pivotal in shaping his values and his vision.”
Brady said that former gubernatorial candidate Adam Andrzejewski will chair the event and that former Reagan Administration officials are among the many dignitaries that will be invited. “This is a perfect time to recall Reagan’s legacy,” said Andrzejewski. “In our world of growing deficits, excessive government spending and high unemployment, we could use some of Reagan’s spirit once again.”
Reagan left Illinois in 1937, moving to California to take up acting. He got his start in politics while serving as spokesman for General Electric. He was originally a Democrat but switched to the Republican Party in 1962.
After serving two terms as Governor of California, Reagan unsuccessfully tried to run for the White House in 1968 and again in 1976. He won the GOP nomination and the election in 1980 and was re-elected in 1984, winning Illinois both times.
Further details about the Reagan celebration will be announced at ReaganCentury.com as they become available.
