Politics
First-Time Illinois Delegates Look Ahead to Week at Republican National Convention
Illinois delegates gathered to mark the start of the Republican National Convention on July 15, 2024. (Michael Izquierdo / WTTW News)
Illinoisans in Wisconsin for their first Republican National Convention say they’re excited about the week ahead and motivated by their passion to see former President Donald Trump reclaim the White House.
“I’ve been a Trump supporter since he came down the escalator in 2015,” said Larisa Calvanese, delegate alternate from the 6th Congressional District.
“I watched … the conventions on TV as a little girl,” Calvanese said. “I feel like this is going to be a convention for the ages, so I’m thrilled to be here.”
Antonio Cundari, who’s originally from Italy, said he became a citizen so he can cast a ballot in elections.
“Even if we are in Illinois and it is a blue state, but even (if) my vote … doesn’t count, I would like to participate,” said Cundari, a delegate from the 11th District.
Cundari echoed many of the same criticisms his fellow delegates shared about Democratic politicians.
“They don’t want the police, they’re defunding the police. They don’t take care (of) the veterans. They open the border, there is no security,” he said.
Delegate Kathleen Abbate, also from the 6th District, said she’s focused on returning Trump to office and looking forward to him addressing the convention.
“I want to hear his unification speech because I think he’s going to do it,” said Abbate, calling unity an important message. “I think so, and I think he knows it too.”
Abbate said she’s grateful Trump survived the attempt on his life, crediting God with keeping the former president safe.
“I’m amazed by him, his strength, his courage, his leadership. He’s unbelievable,” Abbate said. “We have to have him back, so I’m going to work real hard to try to get him back.”
First district delegate Christina Clausen felt so strongly about attending the RNC that she came despite having broken her foot, joking that she would have crawled if she’d had to.
“Life was better with Donald J. Trump, and we need him back,” Clausen said, saying she’d prefer his leadership on issues like the economy, global conflicts and schools – an issue she’s fought on the local level, arguing that students are being taught things that don’t align with conservative values.
Despite the recent shooting, Clausen said she’s confident in the safety of the convention.
“I have faith in God,” Clausen said. “I have no fear.”
