This emphasis was launched in Illinois Thursday afternoon, when RNC National Committeewoman Demetra DeMonte called together 30 representatives of the newly-formed Illinois Coalitions effort.  Since her election in 2008, DeMonte has reached out to diverse subgroups within the ILGOP, from Blacks to Latinos, women to College Republicans and Young Republicans, all with the goal of building up the party's grassroots.

As a result of DeMonte's efforts, the RNC has set up in Illinois the first coalitions building program of its type in the nation.  Over the last six months, over 170 spokespersons have been trained in communication skills, social networking and media presence.  While the different subgroups may have different emphases, DeMonte believes the RNC's "Say It Loud" training will work to effectively acquaint various individuals with each other, so they can focus on common issues and cultivate grassroots development and effectiveness.

RNC Chairman Michael Steele spoke with the coalition representatives for ninety minutes, emphasizing the importance of grassroots building and message presentation. "A candy hasn't been invented yet that would be as sweet as winning Barack Obama's Senate seat back," he said.  Steele promised RNC resources during the upcoming election.

(Above, IL GOP coalition representatives met with RNC Chairman Michael Steele and IL's National Committeewoman Demetra DeMonte.)

DeMonte encouraged the reps to use jobs, economy, and national security as a common message hub to bring together diverse party factions. In a year when a range of philosophies and interests are represented among the statewide Republican candidates, DeMonte encouraged attendees to focus their energies towards the candidates of their choosing.

Both Steele and DeMonte encouraged the attendees to reach out to TEA Party activists as natural issue allies.

Thursday there was also a gathering of the state's 19 State Central Committee members to select the next RNC National Committeeman.  On the second ballot, the SCC chose Kenilworth attorney Rich Williamson, who served at the United Nations under George W. Bush and at the State Department under Ronald Reagan, over DuPage County Chairman Bob Schillerstrom.

The day at the Drake culminated with two hundred IL GOP supporters attending a $500 per plate fundraising dinner hosted by Chairman Pat Brady's newly-recruited Finance Committee.

(Above, Chicago Young Republicans' board members were dinner guests of IL GOP Finance Committee member Beth Christy.)

IL GOP's Executive Curt Conrad said IL GOP Chairman Pat Brady and the new Finance Committee have raised more funds in the first four months of 2010 than were raised in 2009 altogether.

And because of the heightened interest in the possibility of winning the U.S. Senate and gubernatorial races, Illinois has been promised at least $5 million in RNC funds to get out the RNC message and get voters to the polls on Election Day. The state's RNC Victory program will be headed by Rodney Davis, who's been key to Congressman John Shimkus' (R-19) campaigns over the years.

"Yesterday the State Party had a great day, there's no doubt," Conrad said. " The State Central Committee made a great choice for national committeeman, the coalitions meeting was a success and the fundraiser was very good."

But Conrad was cautious, saying "We're not taking anything for granted this year, but so far, 2010 looks very good for the IL GOP."