A possible running mate for John McCain, along with key members of Illinois' Republican Party Thursday night talked about how to revive the G-O-P in Illinois.
They were at the Lincoln-Reagan Day dinner in Bloomington.
And in a state now controlled by Democrats some say the Illinois Republican party is in need of a makeover.

McLean County Republicans broke bread at the Parke Convention Center.
Everyone from Governor's to candidates seeking office talked about he fate of the Republican Party in Illinois.
It's trying to cultivate and get new blood, new ideas and people who still stand for the republican principals but are open minded in other areas," says Republican State Representative Dan Brady of Bloomington.
The goal behind the Lincoln-Reagan Day dinner is to strengthen the Republican Party.
But in order to do that some say changes need to be made.
"I think we have to get back to making some people understand what our values our and do a better job marketing. We have to reach out to young people. We need to have more diverse candidates.
We have to do a better job with women so there's a lot to do," said GovernorTim Pawlenty of Minnesota, the keynote speaker for the event.
Governor Pawlenty has been mentioned as a possible running mate for John McCain. He admits McCain was not the first choice of conservative Republicans..but says.he's is certainly the best one in today's society.
"He clearly has the ability not just the rhetoric but the ability the demonstrated ability to attract independent and conservative democrats and he's doing that and that's going to give us a good chance to win," said Brady.
Brady says McCain's chances may be good to win overall, but winning the State Barak Obama calls home is unlikely.
Still that won't deter Illinois Republicans from stumping for their man.