Pollastrini will run for Illinois House

SPRINGFIELD — Carol Stream government relations manager Laura Pollastrini will run as a Republican for the Illinois House in 2012, she announced today.

Pollastrini is a member of the DuPage County Regional Board of School Trustees and works in government relations for Northwestern University.

She’s been active in local Republican politics for years, once working for former GOP Senate President Pate Philip. She also worked for former DuPage County State’s Attorney Joe Birkett.

Pollastrini says she’ll run in Illinois’ new 42nd District, an area that includes all or parts of Winfield, Wheaton, West Chicago and Naperville.

Republican incumbent Rep. Michael Connelly of Naperville lives in that district, but has indicated he plans to run for the Illinois Senate, opening the door for other Republicans to take a shot at the House more easily.

In a statement announcing her intent to run, Pollastrini said she wanted to get involved in government directly.

“The time has come for Illinois residents to move from being Monday morning armchair quarterbacks to instead taking positions on the field,” she said.