Rich and Betsey Morthland wish to thank all the supporters and volunteers who helped to make the Primary Election such an overwhelming success. What follows is an in-depth analysis of the election results for the 71^st District. It’s long, but we believe, worth the read. Things are looking very good for November.

Rich Morthland ran unopposed in the Republican Primary election on Tuesday. There was a three-way race on the other side. Are there any lessons for Rich’s supporters in the numbers even though he was not in a head-to-head race? Yes, plenty.

First, Rich was the top vote getter by a wide margin. Here are the district wide totals: Rich Morthland: 5,617, Dennis Ahern: 2,678, Jerry Lack 2,315, and Porter McNeil 2,235. As the top Democrat candidate, Mr. Ahern will be Rich’s opponent in November. If this had been a four-way race, it would have been a run-away for Rich. However, that’s not the most accurate way to analyze this Primary. Let’s take a closer look.

It’s far more meaningful to think of the Primary as a two-way race between Rich Morthland and the whole Democrat field. Collectively, all the Democrats garnered 7,228 votes compared with Rich’s 5,617. The break down that follows reveals how great a showing for Rich it was.

First, Rich Morthland dominated this election in three of the four counties. In Henry, the totals were Rich: 1,645, Dems: 903. In Carroll, votes cast were Rich: 800, Dems: 446. Whiteside came in Rich: 808, Dems: 412. These counties are going to be huge for Morthland in November. While the other candidates kept a nearly exclusive focus on Rock Island County, the Morthlands traveled throughout the District. Much praise and thanks are due to Rich’s excellent County Coordinators and local volunteers.

What about Rock Island County? Is the strong RICO Primary showing for the Democrats a harbinger of problems for Morthland’s campaign; not at all. First, Dem turnout in the RICO 71^st District was disproportionately high due to hot contests in almost every race on the ballot. History teaches us that turnout for the same area will be much lower proportionately in November. Second, Rich’s opponents offered a candidate for every Democrat. The trio spanned that party’s policy range and since none of them has held elective office, there was little reason or room for attack campaigns. They garnered more votes together, than any single Democrat could get alone.

Most importantly however, the three Democrats had all been campaigning for months. They treated the Primary as though it was a de facto General Election and that all that could ever matter was Rock Island County. They gave their Primary their all and displayed their collective electoral power in February when the real election will be in November. By contrast, the Morthlands spent their campaign hours traveling throughout the district, listening to voters about issues. Rich’s campaign did not purchase any media. “Sure, we put up a few signs, but we’ll keep those for the fall,” said Rich Morthland. “The only money we spent on this election was for gas and pancake breakfasts.” “I have to admit that it’s been a little frustrating to witnesses so much in-depth media coverage of them and their primary and only see, ‘The winner will face Republican Rich Morthland in November,’ as the sole mention or our campaign in most stories. Now the treatment will even up. Plus, watch what happens when we really fire up our campaign.” It’s a real portent of things to come that the Republican who campaigned lightly nearly overcame a full Democrat squad operating in high gear.

A final element to consider is Rich’s general election opponent. “I happy,” said Rich. “He’s a generally good guy with many laudable positions. The 71^st is fortunate to have him in the race.” At the same time, those views will push many Democrat voters away from Rich’s opponent. Some will not tolerate him because like Rich, he is pro-life and pro second amendment. Morthland ran against the Democrat spectrum in the Primary. In the General, he faces an opponent who represents only one end of that Party.

Moreover, Rich Morthland’s opponent is the new face of Illinois’ old problem. Illinois House Speaker Mike Madigan has been the architect of demise for the Prairie State. His insider Chicagoland dealings have drained our state to the point of anemia, impotence, and near-collapse. If elected, Rich’s opponent will help keep Madigan in power. Need proof? Campaign finance records show that Morthland’s opponent received $10,000 from the Illinois Speaker. Rich will fight in Springfield as he has in Rock Island County to break the one-party death-grip. The handwriting is clear; the only choice for change is Rich Morthland.

So, what was the message of the Primary? Rich Morthland’s prospects for victory are outstanding. A big win is in the air and a brighter day is about to dawn for Illinois and the 71^st.  We have nine months. We have nine months to raise funds, fill out the team, and tell the people our hopeful message of a fiscally responsible Illinois Government and an open door for jobs. Thanks for being involved in Rich Morthland’s race. Write to us at electmorthland@gmail.com.

Thanks for being a part of the solution by being one more soul who fights against the problem. Thanks for reading this piece. Please tell others! Thanks for all your help. Let’s make Illinois Great Again!