Article: Is Williamson worthy to lead Illinois GOP?

Loop lawyer Richard S. Williamson, who is vying to become state Republican chairman, has blazed a controversial path in a political career that spans more than two decades.

The portly Williamson, 49, has worked in campaigns at the state and national levels, served as a diplomat and senior White House aide and even ran for office once as the 1992 Republican nominee for the U.S. Senate.

Along the way, he has done a better job of stirring conflict than building coalitions. Williamson also has acquired a reputation for ruthlessness and subterfuge. He was fired as a senior aide to Ronald Reagan, and later was frozen out of a meaningful role in George Bush's administration by then-Secretary ...

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