McHenry County Blog

The following press release was received from the McHenry County Democratic Party Central Committee Thursday. I believe it speaks for itself.

OUIMET SITES HEALTH IN RESIGNATION AS McHENRY COUNTY DEM CHAIR

CRYSTAL LAKE--Patrick M. Ouimet, the Chairman of the McHenry County Democratic Central Committee, will resign his position effective on December 31.

Ouimet suffered a heart attack requiring emergency angioplasty surgery on November 12, just days after leading the county party to an historic victory. A Democrat was elected to the County Board, Congresswoman Melissa Bean and Representative Jack Franks swept to victory, and big county wide margins we racked up for state wide candidates Lisa Madigan and Jessie White.

A stent was placed in Ouimet’s right coronary artery to relieve blockage of that artery. He was released from the hospital less than 48 hours after surgery and his recovery has been remarkable.

In light of this recent medical event, Ouimet felt it appropriate to hand over the leadership reins of the Democratic Party to a new Chair who will take over the day-to-day governance of the Party. He communicated his resignation to the Party’s Executive Board members in writing on December 27.

Under the Party’s Constitution, Vice Chair Kathleen Bergan Schmidt will automatically assume the duties and responsibilities of the Chair until such time as a successor is elected by the members of the Central Committee.

Bergan Schmidt of Crystal Lake, a veteran party leader who ran for the McHenry County Board in the November election said, “We anticipate that we will continue to build the party to the standards set by Pat Ouimet’s leadership.”

Patrick Murfin, a former vice-chair who himself assended briefly to the Chair, had high praise for both the departing and incoming leaders:

Pat’s passion and unmatched organizational skill helped transform the McHenry County Democrats into an effective organization. Kathy has worked hand in hand with him and shares his vision of making the Democrats the majority party here.

Ouimet will continue to serve the Party in his elected position as Precinct Committeeman for Dorr 12.

Here is the Ouimet biography posted on the county Democrats web site (the photo is from there, too):

Patrick M. Ouimet was born on St. Patrick's Day 47 years ago in Decatur, Illinois.

From a large, close knit family of seven brothers and three sisters, Pat today lives and practices law in Woodstock, and is married to Dr. Mary Riggs, an OB/GYN, practicing in the cities of McHenry and Algonquin, Illinois.

Pat graduated from Archbishop Quigley Preparatory Seminary in Chicago. He then attended John Carroll University located in University Heights, Ohio. In 1988, Pat received his law degree (with honors) from The John Marshall Law School in Chicago.

Pat has served the McHenry County Democratic Party as its General Counsel, Chaired the Membership Recruitment Committee and served on the Policy Committee.

On April 19, 2006, Pat was unanimously elected as the Chairman of the McHenry County Democratic Party.

Best wishes to Mr. Ouimet in his recovery.

Labels: McHenry County Democratic Central Committee, McHenry County Democrats, Patrick Ouimet