Froehlich looks to stay challenge

Democratic voters of the 56th District rewarded state Rep. Paul Froehlich Tuesday for his experience and track record in Springfield -- despite the fact he'd been a Republican until last year.

In his first run as a Democrat, Froehlich was leading his challenger, fellow Schaumburg resident John Moynihan, with about 57 percent of the vote.

With 84 of 87 precincts reporting early Wednesday, Froehlich had 6,950 votes, while Moynihan had 5,241.

But Froehlich will next have to face Republican Anita Forte-Scott, president of the Schaumburg Township District Library board, in November's general election. She was uncontested in Tuesday's GOP primary.

Froehlich pointed out that it was less than two years ago that he won a contested Republican primary as well.

"I think that demonstrates an appeal to members of both parties, and hopefully independents," Froehlich said. "I'm just happy for the vote of confidence."

Having been a Republican for so long, he felt this race was a little different in that it established a new phase of his political career.

"I think it was about building a Democratic base and running on my record," he said.

Froehlich offered his congratulations to Moynihan on running a good race, saying that competition inspires all to do their best work.

Moynihan, said he felt his message resonated with those he could reach on his limited budget, but that he learned a hard lesson about what money can buy in a political campaign.

"I never had a burning desire to become state representative," Moynihan said. "I ran because I feel our government is broken, and I think Paul Froehlich is part of the problem, not the solution. Hopefully, I'm wrong."

Because of Froehlich's recent defection from the Republican party he ran in Schaumburg Township for much of the past decade, a comparison of his and Froehlich's Democratic credentials became a theme of the campaign.

Though Froehlich had consistently voted Republican and Moynihan Democratic in recent Cook County primaries, the question of who was the "real" Democrat was raised time and again in a race that got increasingly heated.

Froehlich has said his recent tendency to agree more with Democrats on issues was one of the factors that led to his party switch.

And in campaign mailings, he questioned Moynihan's Democratic character in working for a large law firm with a product liability division.

Moynihan said his own work on financial and fraud cases often stems from public protection concerns -- and the reason why it specifically wasn't the target of Froehlich's attacks.

Froehlich's primary victory sets up an interesting contest for November. Not only will he face a challenger from the party he abandoned, but that challenger, Forte-Scott, sits on the Schaumburg Township library board along with Froehlich's wife, Marilyn.