Senate Dist. 32: Althoff
Incumbent state Sen. Pamela Althoff, who was elected in 2002 to represent the 32nd District, says this is her last election. The McHenry Republican is a believer in term limits - "I feel very strongly ... in allowing for the next generation. It's only fair." She wants more than anything, she says, to have a budget. "It's the one real responsibility (we have), to pass a budget," she said. She is opposed by Democrat Melissa Coyne of Fox Lake. Coyne did not respond to repeated attempts to reach her. Her website says her platform includes bringing in and developing existing green energy, holding the line on social and mental health funding, fighting the growing heroin epidemic and passing a budget. Althoff, a sponsor of the legislative fair map initiative, said that before she would agree to raises taxes, the state's antiquated fiscal structure needs fixing along with a revamped tax code. She would not support reducing education funding. The district, which covers much of McHenry County and the northwest portion of Lake County, is best served by Althoff's responsible leadership. She is endorsed.