66th House candidate says one rival is leaving race
House 66th District Republican candidate Allen Skillicorn took it upon himself Monday to announce that one of his opponents is withdrawing from the race.
In a news release, Skillicorn claimed candidate Paul Serwatka is endorsing him for state representative because he didn't want "to split the conservative reform vote with Skillicorn."
Yet, when reached by phone, Serwatka, 47, a Lakewood village trustee, said he isn't sure yet whether he is withdrawing. He told a Daily Herald reporter to wait an hour for a decision, but he could not be reached in a subsequent attempt to discuss the matter.
Serwatka's campaign theme has been he is the best person for the job because he is "not a professional politician."
Carolyn Schofield and Dan Wilbrandt are the two other candidates contending for the Republican nomination in the House 66th District race on March 15.
Schofield, 43, is a former Crystal Lake council member and current McHenry County Board member. Wilbrandt is a West Dundee village trustee.
Skillicorn, 41, an East Dundee village trustee, in his release quoted Serwatka criticizing Schofield for not supporting portions of Gov. Bruce Rauner's Turnaround Agenda, such as prevailing wage reform, and Wilbrandt for voting to increase taxes as a village trustee.
The candidates are vying for the 2-year seat being vacated by incumbent Republican Mike Tryon, who is not seeking another term.
The primary winner will face Democrat Nancy Zettler of Algonquin in November.
The district includes portions of McHenry and Kane counties, including Algonquin, Carpentersville, Crystal Lake, East Dundee, Elgin, Huntley, Lake in the Hills, Lakewood, Sleepy Hollow and West Dundee.