Both candidates lay claim to most endorsements

As Republican voters in the House District 66 race ask themselves where candidates stand on health care, taxes and business incentives, there's one more question they might want to ask: Who is the most endorsed Republican candidate?

Both candidates, Elk Grove Village Trustee Christine Prochno and Arlington Heights resident Laura Bartell, claim that title, with long lists of endorsements from local mayors, representatives and Republican committeemen.

Prochno calls herself the "endorsed Republican candidate" on her campaign literature, saying she has the retiring legislator, state Rep. Carolyn Krause, in her camp.

Bartell, however, uses the same type of phrase and says she has the Republican organizational support and more GOP groups on her side.

"It's a Republican primary, and I have the Republican organizational support -- that is telling it all," Bartell said Thursday.

Prochno said she deserves the title largely because Krause, of Mount Prospect, has endorsed her over Bartell. Last year, Krause announced she would not be seeking another term.

Prochno also enjoys the support of the Maine Township Regular Republican Organization, the Illinois Bankers Association, state Rep. Rosemary Mulligan, Rolling Meadows Mayor Kenneth Nelson, Mayor Tony Arredia and Elk Grove Village Mayor Craig B. Johnson.

"I have the endorsement of every major newspaper, nine trustees, one alderman and a township trustee," Prochno said. "And when you have the retiring state representative, that is pretty good."

On the other hand, Bartell also has significant local Republican supporters, who could've sided with Prochno, a trustee for the last 10 years, but elected not to do so.

Among her major endorsements are Cheryl Axley, the Regular Republican Organization of Elk Grove Township committeeman; Ruth O'Connell, Republicans of Wheeling Township committeeman; and Gary Skoien, Palatine Township Republican Organization committeeman.

Bartell is also supported by the Illinois Center Right Coalition, the Illinois League of Conservation Voters, Illinois Federation for Right to Life, Northwest Political Coalition Republicans of Wheeling Township Woman's Group and Maine Township Republican Woman's Group.

On Tuesday, both candidates will battle it out for the right to face off against Democrat Mark Walker of Arlington Heights in the November election.

Whoever wins in November will replace Krause.

House District 66 covers parts of Arlington Heights, Des Plaines, Elk Grove Village, Mount Prospect, Rolling Meadows and Schaumburg.