Lake County Gazette

The Lake County Republican Federation is still savoring the memories of having South Dakota Gov. Kristi Noem as keynote speaker at its 59th Annual Spring Gala earlier this month.

"If you attended the event then you know what an exciting and inspiring speaker Gov. Noem is and we were very lucky to have her as our keynote speaker this year,” the group posted on Facebook. “We also offered a pre-dinner event with the four gubernatorial candidates who have announced they are running for Illinois Governor in 2022."

More than 500 people were on hand for the outing held at the Chevy Chase Country Club in Wheeling, Illinois. The event also featured a forum that included 2022 GOP candidates for governor state Sen. Darren Bailey, former state Sen. Paul Schimpf and businessmen Gary Rabine.

Republican Federation president Larry Falbe served as master of ceremonies for the event and Lake County Chairman Mark Shaw also spoke. Bailey, Rabine and Schimpf posed for photos with Noem, a rising star in Republican circles that Illinois Review reports is probably best known for her leadership and response to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Noem had steered clear of imposing any restrictions that may be viewed as causing businesses and other establishments to shut down.

Noem is also known as a passionate supporter of former President Trump, touting policies she insists promote freedom, liberty and opportunity. 

The Illinois GOP primary is scheduled for March 15, 2022, with the general election following on Nov. 8.