 In 1986, he became the chair of the Illinois Democratic Party after Calvin Sutker lost his race for Central Committeeman in Illinois's 9th congressional district, making Sutker ineligible to be chair of the party.Due to disunity amongst the central committee members from Chicago, he was able to be elected with support from downstate members.Prior to being elected chair, two followers of Lyndon LaRouche won primaries for Lieutenant Governor and Secretary of State respectively.