Kenneally named first assistant state's attorney in McHenry County

Patrick Kenneally, the Republican candidate for McHenry County state's attorney, has been named the office's second-in-command, State's Attorney Lou Bianchi announced Tuesday.

An assistant state's attorney for nine years, Kenneally will replace former First Assistant Donna Kelly, who stepped down from her position last week.

"As First Assistant, Kenneally's passion for the mission of this office by seeking justice for the citizens of McHenry County is paramount," Bianchi said in a statement.

Kenneally, a Crystal Lake resident, has experience trying cases at all levels and has handled thousands of criminal prosecutions, according to a news release from the state's attorney's office. In 2009, he won the Turning Point's Peace and Justice Award.

Kenneally spearheaded efforts to offer substance abuse treatment to county residents, as well as to provide all police departments in the county with Narcan, a medication that reverses the effects of heroin overdose. He is also implementing a software that will allow police to obtain electronic warrants, according to the release, which can especially be used in drunken driving scenarios.

Bianchi, who announced last year he is not running for re-election, has endorsed Kenneally as the Republican nominee. Kenneally will face attorney Ray Flavin, a Woodstock Democrat, in the November election.