Elgin councilwoman among 8 candidates for Farnham's seat

Elgin Councilwoman Anna Moeller is among eight candidates interested in the seat left vacant by Keith Farnham's resignation as state representative, officials said Thursday.

Kane County Democratic Party Chairman Mark Guethle said local leaders are vetting the candidates and are trying to make a choice as soon as possible.

No date has been set to pick someone. "We're trying our best to expedite it," Guethle said.

Guethle wouldn't say who the candidates are, but when asked confirmed that Moeller was one of them.

Kane County Board member Cristina Castro said she also talked to Democratic officials about the vacant House seat.

Farnham resigned March 19, a few days after U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement's Homeland Security Investigations officials executed a warrant at his Elgin office looking for evidence of the possession of child pornography. Officials said his home was searched as well.

Farnham cited "serious health issues" in his resignation.

Moeller, who works as executive director of the McHenry County Council of Governments, said she was contacted by Democratic officials about Farnham's seat.

If chosen, she'll resign her council seat, to which she was elected in April 2011, she said.

"The demands of the position would require that," she said.

As for whether she ever considered running for state office, Moeller said it's always been a possibility.

"Somewhere down the road potentially, but certainly not under these circumstances or at this time," she said.

Farnham was unopposed in the March 18 primary election. No Republican has yet filed to run in the district.

• Daily Herald staff writer James Fuller contributed to this story.