McHenry Democrat to run for 14th House District

If a potential showdown between two sitting GOP congressmen in the 14th District actually does come to fruition, the battle for the seat won’t end with the primary.

Former McHenry alderman and U.S. Senate staffer Frank McClatchey has announced his bid for the Democratic nomination to run for that post. The 55-year-old former small-business coordinator for the Senate said his experience provides him with “insight into the federal government.”

“Everyone’s bickering, calling each other names and nothing’s getting done,” he said. “The district deserves more than somebody that just wants to go there and say no and defend the tea party.”

McClatchey took several swipes at U.S. Rep. Joe Walsh, a tea party favorite, who was remapped into Rep. Randy Hultgren’s district after the latest census figures were released and congressional districts were redrawn. Walsh, who is in his first term, has not announced whether he’ll seek that seat. Hultgren is gearing up for a primary battle, nonetheless.

McClatchey is aware he’s running in a district that favors Republican candidates, but he believes he’s got time to sway voters.

“A year from now is an eternity,” he said. “Who knows what will happen. And considering who I might run against — Hultgren or Walsh — anything’s possible.”

McClatchey has been reaching out to area Democratic Party leaders and is embarking on a tour of the district to get his name out there. He believes that’s his biggest challenge.

“I’ve got to get more name recognition, especially in the southern counties,” McClatchey said.