Dan Rutherford has traveled many roads in a long Illinois political career. And, he's learned a few things along the way.

The soon-to-be former State Treasurer told the Iroquois County Republican Women's Club (Thursday) the Republican Party needs to learn how to adapt to changing times.

The mean attitude the Republican and democrats have toward each other just shows how divided everyone seems to be, in Washington and Springfield," Rutherford told WGFA News. He said the Republican Party has been the recipient of the negative image.

The bitterness and mean-spirited demeanor of so many people, these days, Rutherford points out, is inside the party ranks too.

Rutherford said it's his opinion the issues of gay rights, guns, or abortion should not dictate who's a good Republican or a bad Republican. Until that happens, he says, sadly the party is going to be the minority.

94.1 WGFA