Bill is for Fred

We don't need no stinkin WaPo take on Fred. Bill is for Fred here in Illinois.

Sen. Bill Brady will be at the State Fair on Thursday. The Illinois Republican straw poll will be held on Thursday as well. It will be an interesting exercise after Gov. Mitt Romney's win in Iowa this last weekend. Sen. Brady:

Senator Fred Thompson will be on the Illinois Republican Party's presidential straw ballot at the Illinois State Fair on Thursday, August 16.

For those of you who support Senator Fred Thompson, I especially hope you'll load up your cars and vans, drive to Springfield and join me at the State Fairgrounds on Thursday to cast a straw ballot vote for him.

As he continues to test the waters for a 2008 presidential run, we need to show Senator Thompson the great enthusiasm and support I have seen for him among Republicans throughout Illinois. To learn more about Senator Thompson, visit his website at www.imwithfred.com and sign up for regular updates from the Thompson team.

There also will be a program and Republican Day rally at 1 p.m.

I hope you'll also stop by a get-together I am hosting with Senator Larry Bomke from 2:30 to 4:30 at the Sangamon County Republican Headquarters, 1132 E. Sangamon Avenue, just outside the fairgrounds' Main Gate. There's no charge, refreshments are free, and all are welcome.

Voting will be open from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. on the Director's Lawn of the fairgrounds. Results of the straw poll will be announced between 4:30 and 5:30 p.m.

To vote in the straw poll, you must be an Illinois resident at least 18 years or older by February 5, 2008, and you must present a valid Illinois Driver's License or government-issued Photo ID card with your current Illinois address. This is required to validate eligibility and prevent double voting. Straw Poll voting is free of charge.

Hope to see you at a great Republican Day at the State Fair!