During an interview with the Daily Herald newspaper, Atanus blamed natural disasters and mental disorders on recent advances in LGBT equality and legal abortions. "God is angry. We are provoking him with abortions and same-sex marriage and civil unions. Same-sex activity is going to increase AIDS. If it's in our military, it will weaken our military. We need to respect God.," she said. The Cook County GOP, Jack Dorgan, chairman of the Illinois Republican Party, and Adam Robinson, chairman of the Chicago Republican Party, condemned her comments and distanced the party from her candidacy.