Kirk Dillard Won't Attend Republican Convention

Chicago, IL — Kirk Dillard, chairman of the Regional Transportation Authority Board of Directors, has decided not to attend the Republican National Convention in Cleveland this month.

Dillard said he may go to a transit official reception but he won't be around the convention when presumptive Republican presidential nominee Donald Trump officially accepts the party's nomination, according to the Chicago Tribune.

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While some Republicans have come up with amusing excuses about why they're not heading to Cleveland, Dillard simply smiled and told reporters he'd give them his reason later, the Tribune reports.

Dillard left the Illinois Senate spot he'd held since 1993 while trying to beat Bruce Rauner in the governor's race. Following his loss, he replaced John S. Gates Jr. as the RTA board chair.

Before he served as senator for the 24th District, Dillard was the chief of staff for former Governor Jim Edgar. He is a Hall of Fame Alumnus of Hinsdale Central High School.

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