Senger holds lead in 96th House race

Naperville City Council member Darlene Senger is one step closer to earning a seat in Springfield.

With all 79 precincts reporting Tuesday, and all tallies unofficial, Senger handily defeated insurance broker Michael Bowler of Aurora by 26 percentage points in the race for the 96th House District seat of retiring Rep. Joe Dunn, a Naperville Republican.

With her victory, Senger now is positioned to face Democrat Dianne McGuire of Naperville in the November general election. McGuire ran unopposed in Tuesday's Democratic primary.

"This is only our first step, so we're pleased to be able to do as well as we have," Senger said. "I feel really good about the grass-roots campaign we've run all along. We're going to do the same thing in November with the support of the people of Naperville, Aurora and Warrenville."

The 96th District covers large portions of western Naperville, eastern Aurora and a small part of Warrenville.

Both candidates agreed on many of the larger issues facing the state, listing improving transportation and the economy as their top priorities. Both believe rank-and-file legislators need to play a larger role in government. Both are unhappy with Springfield's current leaders.

Senger, a financial adviser, said her position as an elected official, as well as her community and professional experience, will allow her to serve the district most effectively.

She wants to secure funding for Route 59 improvements. A combination of revenue sources will be needed, but businesses also should be involved, she said.

As for improving the economy, Senger said taxes on businesses must be competitive and fair, and "fees" and excise taxes shouldn't be added to fund general revenues.

As for school reforms, Senger says the funding system isn't her concern -- it's student performance that worries her.

Programs such as all-day kindergarten have shown to improve skills, she said.