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Write-in candidate challenging Walsh

Congressman Joe Walsh of McHenry is again being challenged in the 8th District Republican primary.

Robert “Bob” Canfield of Palatine, who was removed from the ballot last month for having insufficient valid signatures on his candidacy petition, has registered to run as a write-in.

Canfield, 48, is the owner of a commercial printing business and seeking elected office for the first time. He collected most of his signatures from the redrawn 6th Congressional District where he lives.

But when he recently opted to become a write-in candidate, he decided to stick to his original plan to run in the 8th District.

Walsh, too, is not a resident of the redrawn 8th District, but decided to stay a candidate in his incumbent district after weeks of mulling whether to run in the 14th District which now includes his home.

Canfield said he intends to win both the primary and the general election by running a positive campaign. While expressing his general dissatisfaction with the current direction of the country, the state of the economy and the job market, Canfield said he would not criticize Walsh or anyone else.

In a written statement on his reasons for running, Canfield expressed confidence in his leadership abilities as well as an interest in the financial rewards of the job.

“I believe it’s time for new leadership in Washington, D.C.,” Canfield wrote. “The Representative in Congress representing District 8 of Illinois offers a sound salary and requires a leader of stature and commitment. I offer an ability to write law, negotiation skills, trust and new ideas.”

Walsh, who is seeking his second term in Washington, said he didn’t expect Canfield’s write-in candidacy to distract him from a November showdown with either one of Democratic candidates Tammy Duckworth or Raja Krishnamoorthi, both of Hoffman Estates.

“I don’t know him,” Walsh said of Canfield. “It’s the furthest thing from my mind. I’m gearing up for an interesting and exciting general election. My plan is the same. I’m going to run against Tammy or Raja and it’s going to be a lot of fun.”

Also bounced from the Republican primary ballot for not having enough valid signatures was 56-year-old Richard Evans of Villa Park, a certified public accountant who once ran unsuccessfully for the McHenry County Board.

Although Evans has not registered as a write-in candidate, he has the right to do so up until a week before the March 20 primary.

The 8th District is centered in Schaumburg and includes Addison, Elk Grove, Hanover and Wheeling townships.

Joe Walsh
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