By the end of the Illinois comptroller election, 102 new white oak trees will be planted in Illinois, which one candidate hopes will branch Republican roots around the state.

Republican Thomas Jefferson Ramsdell, a candidate for Illinois comptroller, is planting trees throughout the state to spread news about what the trees represent as well as his campaign to voters.

Ramsdell has been traveling through every county in the state and planting the state tree, the white oak, as a part of his campaign.

Plantings that were scheduled in Champaign, Coles and Clark counties for this Sunday will be postponed to Nov. 1 because of “personal matters” with Ramsdell, according to Cory Vaillancourt, campaign coordinator.

The white oak tree was chosen as the symbol for Ramsdell’s campaign because of the values it signifies: strength; endurance; wisdom; prosperity; security and peace.

White oak lumber is used on homes, houses of worship and in cities around the state as well. Ramsdell believes the tree is “a very strong emotional symbol of belonging to a community, and putting down roots,” he said.

As of Oct. 5, 73 white oak trees had been planted. One more tree will be planted in Illinois for each remaining county.

The purpose behind the white oak initiative is the opportunity for Ramsdell to leave something behind from his campaign. He believes the values the tree represents are values that all Americans should embrace.

“We want people to realize that there is more to Illinois than Chicago,” Vaillancourt said. “Our campaign allows us to meet people all over the state.”

Each tree is planted in a public area of the community and whether that is in a town square, a library or a school, Ramsdell said he wants the entire community to enjoy it.

Ramsdell also believes this is an opportunity to bring the Republican candidates and supporters together. He hopes that by November, “we will have roots in every county in Illinois,” through his white-oak campaign.

So far, Ramsdell’s white oak tree campaign has been a success, Vaillancourt said.

“We have experienced a tree-mendous reception from hundreds we’ve met so far,” Ramsdell said on his Web site.

“Overall we want exposure to people all over the great state of Illinois,” Vaillancourt said. “We want trees to be planted in specific and significant sites in each county so everyone can enjoy them.”