Bourne elected to state GOP group FacebookTwitterEmail The committee is the governing body of the state Republican Party. Bourne, a Raymond Republican, will fill a vacancy left by the resignation of Fred Floreth. “State representative Bourne has been a strong conservative and taxpayer champion for her constituents in the 95th District,” Illinois Republican Party Chairman Don Tracy said. “Avery is a rising star in the party. … We are delighted to add [her] to the leadership team.” Newsletter Signup Reach David on David has been publisher of the Journal-Courier since February 2016. Prior to being named publisher, he was editor since May 2009. He retains the editor role.