Illinois Republican Chair Pat Brady is staring down a push to expel him in the continued fallout over his support for equal marriage in Illinois.
According to multiple reports, the Republican State Central Committee will take up the possibility of ousting Brady at special March 9 meeting in Tinley Park.
Brady voiced his support for same-sex marriage during January's lame-duck session as sponsors were readying to make a first run at passing the legislation.
"More and more Americans understand that if two people want to make a lifelong commitment to each other, government should not stand in their way," Brady said in a statement in January. "Giving gay and lesbian couples the freedom to get married honors the best conservative principles. It strengthens families and reinforces a key Republican value —that the law should treat all citizens equally."
The January attempt to pass the bill fell short, but Brady has since been dogged by fellow Conservatives who say he acted against the best interests of the party.
Both the Chicago Sun-Times and the Chicago Tribune published columns against the ouster.
Sun-Times reporter Carol Marin argued that removing Brady would severely damage the party, leaving the state's Democratic unchecked.
Chicago Tribune Columnist Eric Zorn similarly suggested that move would backfire on Republicans who had fallen out of touch amid growing support for same-sex marriage.
But despite mounting pressure to step down, Brady has stood firm on his stance.
Brady could not be reached immediately for comment.