Dunham drops out of county race, endorses rival
Republican Lake County Board candidate Patrick J. Dunham is dropping out of the race because of anticipated military service.
Dunham, a master chief in the U.S. Naval Reserve, expects to be serving in Africa starting in January, he said Monday.
Dunham, of Lindenhurst, had planned to challenge incumbent Jim Newton in the GOP primary for the 3rd District seat. Newton was appointed to the board earlier this year to fill a vacancy.
Dunham serves as a Lindenhurst trustee and was re-elected to that post this past spring. He will retain that post during his military service, even though he'll be out of the country for a year.
Dunham said he doesn't have to quit the board because his legal residency will not change. He said he's spoken to the mayor and trustees about his pending service, and they support his decision to remain a trustee.
In announcing his decision to withdraw from the county board race, Dunham endorsed fellow GOP candidate Tom Weber of Lake Villa.