Elgin councilwoman Anna Moeller selected to fill Farnham's seat

An Elgin councilwoman has been chosen to fill the Illinois House seat left vacant by Keith Farnham, who resigned earlier this month citing health issues after federal officials searched his office and his home looking for child pornography.

Anna Moeller will be sworn in as the new state representative for the 43rd District at 2 p.m. Sunday at Danny's Pizza, 231 Douglas Ave., Elgin, said Marty McCormack, a spokesman for the Illinois House Democrats.

Moeller is the executive director of the McHenry County Council of Governments. The former plan commissioner was elected to a 4-year term on the Elgin City Council in April 2011.

She also served as the legislative aide for former state Rep. Andrea Moore.

Moeller and Kane County Democratic Party Chairman Mark Guethle didn't return phone calls Saturday afternoon seeking information on how and why Moeller was selected.

Farnham had perfect attendance at lawmakers' Springfield sessions until March 19, when he resigned citing "serious health issues." He stepped down just days after U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement's Homeland Security Investigations officials executed a warrant at his Elgin legislative office and his home looking for evidence of child pornography.

Farnham was unopposed in the March 18 primary. No Republican ran in the primary.

But Kane County Republican leaders expressed confidence that Moeller's selection "opens the door" for a GOP victory in November.

"I think the voters of the 43rd District deserve better," Kane County Republican Secretary Allen Skillicorn said in a statement.

Republicans the party is considering slating to run for the post include former state Sen. Steve Rauschenberger, Elgin attorney Jeffery Meyer and an Elgin businesswoman, according to the statement.

The 43rd District includes most of Elgin and portions of Barrington Hills, Carpentersville, East Dundee and South Elgin.