The Illinois Republican Liberty Caucus aims to refocus the Illinois Republican Party by promoting the policies of limited government and free enterprise here in Illinois.

Monday the Illinois RLC welcomed a fellow RLC member from Kentucky, U.S. Senator Rand Paul. Paul was guest of honor at the Northwest Suburban GOP's Lincoln Day Dinner in Palatine and received a certificate of honorary membership in the Illinois RLC. IL-RLC stands with Senator Paul in his insistance that the government follow the rule of law, which is a fundamental principle of republican government.

The Illinois Republican Liberty Caucus Convention -- held February 26th -- unanimously elected officers committed to taking an active role in changing the Illinois political environment. The IL-RLC executive board now consists of Chairman Allen Skillicorn, Vice-Chairman Scott Davis, Treasurer Michael Smyk, and Secretary Laurie Bluedorn. At-large board members are Alan Fortini-Campbell, Justin Kuehlthau, Patricia Hampton, Harvey Bluedorn, Blair Garber, and Dane Stier.

Founded in 1991, the Republican Liberty Caucus promotes the principles and practices of individual liberty, limited government, and free enterprise within the Republican Party, working among party officials and its various organizations, identifying and supporting candidates sympathetic with these goals, and promoting caucus membership among Republican Party registrants, officials, and officeholders.

The IL-RLC recognizes that Illinois' single-party Democrat rule is not healthy for good governance and the well-being of Illinois families. The IL Republican Party offers the best vehicle to change Illinois for the better, but after decades of patronage and conformity, the Republican brand has been tarnished. We believe that less government intrusion means more liberty, and we will work through local activists, candidates, and persons of influence to oppose government excess and to demand accountability to the people. In 1854 the Republican Party was founded on the principles of liberty, and it is
the objective of the IL-RLC to reclaim the Republican Party as the party of liberty.

Please follow the Illinois Republican Liberty Caucus on facebook and twitter:

https://www.facebook.com/RLCIllinois
https://www.twitter.com/IllinoisRLC

CEDAR RAPIDS, Iowa (March 7, 2013) - Mount Mercy University Admissions Counselor Heidi Goetzinger will be at

Bettendorf High School, Tuesday, March 19, at 10:00 a.m

Moline Senior High School, Tuesday, March 19, at 1:15 p.m

West High School, Tuesday, March 26, at 9:00 a.m

Davenport Central High School, Tuesday, March 26, at 1:00 p.m

to answer questions about admission, campus life, service-learning opportunities, scholarships and academic programs. (Last Name) will meet with high school students interested in learning more about Mount Mercy's 35 majors, 15 varsity athletic teams and more than 30 clubs and organizations. For more information about Mount Mercy University, please visit www.mtmercy.edu or call (800) 248-4504.

Mount Mercy University offers baccalaureate and graduate education to more than 1,800 traditional, transfer, adult and graduate students. Popular undergraduate majors include business, nursing, criminal justice, education, and social work. Students have numerous clubs and organizations to participate in, ranging from the Biology Club to the Quiz Bowl. The Mount Mercy Mustangs have earned more than 35 conference championships competing in men's basketball, baseball, golf, soccer, bowling, cross country and track & field, and women's basketball, softball, volleyball, golf, bowling, cross country, track & field, and soccer.

Located in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, Mount Mercy University is the regional Catholic, Mercy University that promises students of diverse backgrounds, ages and faiths a challenging, practical education that inspires them to discover knowledge, build community and lead courageous lives. Mount Mercy offers baccalaureate and graduate education to more than 1,800 enrolled students and uniquely blends liberal arts education with professional preparation.

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CHICAGO - Lt. Governor Sheila Simon will be honored by Between Friends of Chicago for her years spent helping victims of domestic violence. The organization will name Simon a "Friend of the Year" at its annual Bubble Ball on Saturday at the River East Arts Center.

"This week, President Obama signed an extension of the Violence Against Women Act, reinforcing the idea that all relationships should be healthy," Simon said. "I have been fortunate to have worked with organizations like Between Friends of Chicago to help the victims of domestic violence rebuild their lives, and we need to continue working to end domestic violence."

Between Friends of Chicago is a nonprofit agency that provides services to domestic violence survivors and their families. Between Friends also provides youth and adult education programs aimed at preventing domestic violence. Proceeds from the event will support the organization's efforts.

"Lt. Governor Sheila Simon exemplifies the mission of Between Friends. For example, Lt. Governor Simon's Virtual Legal Clinic, which uses the Internet and webcams to link domestic violence survivors in underserved areas with volunteer attorneys, is the type of creative thinking we need to helps victims of domestic violence get crucial assistance," says Kathleen A. Doherty, executive director of Between Friends.

Lt. Governor Simon is a former assistant state's attorney who worked with victims of domestic violence and prosecuted domestic violence cases. As a law professor, she helped launch the Southern Illinois School of Law's domestic violence clinic to serve clients and train law students. Since becoming Lt. Governor, Simon has worked with the Illinois Coalition Against Domestic Violence (ICADV) to start virtual legal clinics that connect survivors with attorneys through webcam technology. Simon has also partnered with Verizon and the ICADV to raise revenue and collect used cell phones for survivors, and she worked with Sen. Toi Hutchinson (D-Olympia Fields) on a new law that requires adult entertainment establishments to collect a surcharge that supports programs that help sexual abuse victims.

For more information, please visit www.ltgov.il.gov.

Saturday, March 9

EVENT: Between Friends of Chicago's Annual Bubble Ball

TIME: 7 p.m.

PLACE: River East Arts Center, 435 East Illinois St., Chicago, 6061

Sunday, March 31st, 2013

Time: 10am-2pm

 On Sunday, March 31^st, Johnny's Italian Steakhouse, 1300 River Dr, Moline; will host Easter Brunch from 10-am-2pm. Reserved seating is recommended. Enjoy an elegant Easter brunch buffet with Chef Carved Prime Rib, Classic Breakfast, Carved Ham, Waffle Station Lasagna, Chicken Madeira, Omelet Station, Seasonal Fruit, Gourmet Desserts and Much More. Prices for the brunch are $22 per person, $12 children age 12 and under, High chair age free. For more information visit johnnysitaliansteakhouse.com. To make reservations call the restaurant at 309-736-0100.

Johnny's Italian Steakhouse, 1300 River Dr, Moline, IL 612654