Kankakee County Young Republican Officers

In early 2010 a group of Young Republicans from the area hosted a primary debate for the 11th Congressional Race.  This debate drew a total audience of over 500 people by streaming the debate live to the internet.  The success of that debate paved a foundation for the "restart" of a Young Republican organization in Kankakee County.

Chairman: James D Skutt

Growing up in Peotone, James was an Executive Committeeman in Will County before moving to Bourbonnais.  He got involved in the local Republican Party in 2009 and approached the KCRCC chairman about starting a local Young Republicans chapter in Kankakee County.  In January 2010 the YR's hosted their first event, an 11th Congressional Primary debate at Olivet University.  Streaming the event live over the internet allowed the debate to reach over 300 online viewers as well as filling every chair at the hall. James than ran and was elected as a precinct committeeman in Bourbonnais 20 during the February 2010 Primary.  In March of James secured the nomination of the KCRCC to run for Kankakee County Board in District 26.  Running on the focus of "common-sense" government and belief that elected officials need to return to a place of being true representatives for the voters.

Vice Chairman: Aaron DeGroot

Aaron DeGroot is a Junior at Bishop McNamara Catholic High School in Kankakee. Along with his brothers, he owns the Village Car Wash in Saint Anne and Triple A Farms. He is the President of the Student Council, President of the National Honor Society, Vice-President of the Young Politicians of America, and Vice-President of the Future Business Leaders of America. Aaron is an intern for Adam Kinzinger's campaign for the 11th Congressional District seat as well. When Aaron is not working and studying, he enjoys hanging out with friends, reading, and discussing politics.

Treasurer:  Aimee Luedtke

Aimee is a Certified Public Accountant.  She works and lives in Kankakee, with her husband Shaun.  Aimee is a member of the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants, the Illinois CPA Society, and the Certified Fraud Examiners.  She enjoys hanging out with her family and friends and is a die-hard Cubs fan.

Secretary: Jennifer Mussman

Jennifer Mussman is the Secretary of the Kankakee County Young Republicans. She is also the Kankakee County Coordinator for the Adam Kinzinger for US Congress Campaign.  Jen is a recent graduate of the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign with a Bachelors in Communication. During college Jen was the Secretary of College Republicans and an active member of the Champaign County Young Republicans. She was awarded College Republican of the Year by the Champaign County Republicans at the 2009 Lincoln Day Dinner.  Currently Jen is the Freedom of Information Officer for the County of Kankakee.