GOP field up to three in primary

Voters will have at least three candidates to pick from in the 8th Congressional District's Republican primary.

Kirk Morris, 49, of Gurnee became the latest to enter the race, with his official announcement Thursday. He said his first run for Congress was spurred by the death of his son, Geoffrey, while fighting for the Marines in Iraq in 2004.

"I love this district and I love this country and I'm concerned about its future," said Morris, who has been visible across the Chicago area raising funds to build the Heroes of Freedom Memorial in Gurnee.

Morris will join Long Grove resident Steve Greenberg and Gurnee's Ken Arnold on the Republican ballot Feb. 5. Incumbent Melissa Bean of Barrington will face Lindenhurst's Randi Scheurer in the Democratic primary.

Speaking before about 30 supporters at the Warren Township veterans memorial outside Gurnee police headquarters, Morris said his top issues include improving medical treatment and other services for veterans and securing the U.S. border with Mexico.

"Being allowed in these United States is a blessing," said Morris, a sales executive for a bio-fuels manufacturing company. "It is a privilege we confer."

Arnold, 50, a senior benefit plan management consultant, said he likes Morris and finds him honorable. However, Arnold said, a congressional seat shouldn't be a reward for "the random acts of war or for good looks."

"It doesn't imbue you with any particular skill sets or insights," Arnold said Thursday.

Arnold's campaign issues include the need for improved border security, foreign trade and changing the federal tax system.

Greenberg, 36, a former minor-league hockey player whose family franchises the Ben Franklin variety stores chain, opposes gun control and favors a constitutional amendment outlawing gay marriage.

Dan Curry, a Greenberg spokesman, said Greenberg "welcomes Kirk Morris into the race and honors and respects the bravery and sacrifice of his family."

Some local sports celebrities are expected to be in Morris' corner in his run for Congress. Jim McMahon, who quarterbacked the Bears to the Super Bowl XX championship, is among the athletes likely to be part of Morris fundraisers, according to publicist Betsy Shepherd.

None of the three Republicans in the primary has held elected office.

Towns in the 8th Congressional District include Barrington, Long Grove, Antioch, Gurnee, Grayslake, Palatine, Crystal Lake and Hanover Park. The district spans portions of Cook, Lake and McHenry counties.