CPD in Milwaukee ahead of DNC, newly elected IL GOP Party chair preaches unity at RNC day 3

The chief of counterterrorism for the Chicago Police Department is in Milwaukee Wednesday, with security on his mind, as Illinois Republicans preach unity on the third day of the Republican National Convention.

The chief overseeing security preparations for the upcoming Democratic National Convention in Chicago reviewed security in Milwaukee Wednesday afternoon.

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"It's the way we get better. This way we can keep improving on our craft is by seeing other people do it, how it works. Milwaukee is going to be very similar to Chicago with the way the perimeters are set up," CPD Chief of Counterterrorism Duane Devries said.

The lone wolf terrorist, an example of which played out at a rally for former President Donald Trump Saturday, can be the most difficult to prevent.

"What you do is you keep going over and over protocol, over security, double checking everything. You have to keep your social media teams on top of it, all your intel out there," Devries said.

He said he will be at the convention Thursday night for Trump's speech to observe how security is handled for the culmination of the convention.

Newly elected Illinois GOP Chair Kathy Salvi preached unity as the path to victory in November Wednesday.

Wednesday morning had a lot of talk about bringing people in the party together, despite there being differences on some issues.

Salvi, who is the former Senate candidate who ran a failed campaign against Sen. Tammy Duckworth in the last election, is facing the task of leading the Illinois GOP into battle this election cycle.

"We are not the party of division and divisiveness," Salvi said. "We are the party of hope and optimism and a better Illinois and a better future for America."

On a day when the convention theme is "Making America Stronger Again," Illinois Republicans faced their own challenges of strengthening their own numbers.

"I love the state," Salvi said. "I've met so many amazing Republicans who are now on the ballot, and I believe, I bet, with my energy and commitment 100% to their electoral success, great things will happen."

Pennsylvania Congressman Glen "GT" Thompson spoke about agriculture to delegates.

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"I don't know whether you know this, but 92% of all planted acres in this country are represented by Republicans," Thompson said.

On the front table was a cheese carving of Donald Trump. It reminded some of the State Fair butter cow.

With two women now in key leadership rolls, standing shoulder to shoulder, the message to the delegates and the party was clear: Stand together.

"My ask is to take the energy from this week, come together to deliver a message to voters this election," Illinois House Republican Leader Tony McCombie said. "Let's not waste any more time debating our differences but concentrate on: the Democrats are the policies are hurting Illinois."

Outgoing Illinois GOP Chair Don Tracy said he advises Salvi four things: preach unity, preach unity, preach unity and raise money.

Also on Wednesday, former Illinois Gov. Rod Blagojevich worked the crowd at a Serbians for Trump event not far from the convention center.

Four years ago, Trump commuted Blagojevich's federal prison term, forever endearing the Democrat to Trump.

"I still consider myself a Democrat, but I'm a Democrat for Trump. I would say to my Democrats, fellow Democrats, 'Stop, stop saying that he's an existential threat to democracy because when you do that you put a target on his back,'" Blagojevich said.