Rep. Mathias recovering from heart surgery

State Rep. Sidney Mathias, a Buffalo Grove Republican and onetime mayor of the village, is recovering from “major” heart surgery, his campaign spokesman said Monday.

A statement said Mathias had surgery Wednesday to repair a congenital heart problem, replacing an aortic valve.

“We now think he will go home soon,” said spokesman Arlen Gould.

Mathias has served in the Illinois House since 1999 and just recently announced he’d seek re-election in 2012, a contest that could be a difficult one in the new legislative map, likely against incumbent Rep. Carol Sente, a Vernon Hills Democrat.

Mathias served as Buffalo Grove mayor from 1991 to 1999.

The surgery was performed at Northwestern University Hospital.

In Monday’s statement, Mathias refers to the election.

“I look forward to the upcoming campaign season and will resume campaigning as soon as possible,” he said. “This will be a very competitive race, but I am energized by it and fully in it!”

Lawmakers aren’t scheduled to be in Springfield again until late October.