Marathon Pundit: Andy McKenna resigns as Illinois GOP chairman

Morton Grove businessman Andy McKenna has resigned as head of the Illinois Republican Party, Barbara "Bobbie" Peterson is the acting chair.

Here is the presser:

Today I informed our State Central Committee that I am stepping aside as Chairman of the Illinois Republican Party.

I leave this role secure in the fact that the Party has raised more than $16 million throughout the last four years and is building solid cash flow which will support our efforts leading into the next election.

I am confident that the grassroots organizations we built throughout the last four years are poised to deliver multiple statewide victories in 2010.

I reach this decision recognizing that I do not intend to seek re-election as Party Chairman in April, therefore, believing now is the best time to select our next leader who will carry us to victory in 2010.

Serving as Chairman for nearly five years has been an honor and I am proud of the work we have accomplished in building our grassroots through the County Chairman’s Association, electing strong leaders like Peter Roskam and securing Mark Kirk as our next U.S. Senate Candidate.

I have great confidence in acting-Chairman Bobbie Peterson and I look forward to working with all Party leaders to elect Republicans up and down the ballot in 2010