Political connections at issue
Republican Christine Prochno says her Democratic opponent is a puppet of the "Chicago Machine," while Mark Walker says he is taking on the "Republican Machine."
"This is nonsense," Walker says. "I have never been connected to any machine."
At a debate Saturday between the two opponents for an Illinois House seat, Prochno blasted Walker for his Democratic ties while painting herself as independent.
"I'm not just in a race against the opposition here, I'm in a race against Michael Madigan and the Democratic Party," said Prochno, an Elk Grove Village trustee. "I'm truly the independent voice we need in this district."
The Democratic Party, which is run by House Speaker Michael Madigan of Chicago, is helping Walker in his race, providing funds and sending out political mailers against Prochno.
Attorney General Lisa Madigan, Michael Madigan's daughter, is a featured guest at an upcoming fundraiser for Walker.
On the other side, Republican leaders, including House GOP leader Tom Cross of Oswego, are helping Prochno.
"This is a Republican Machine here in this district, and I have been fighting up against it," Walker said.
It is common for the leaders of both parties to assist candidates with staff and ads in select races as they try to increase their party's power at the state Capitol.
Northwest Cook County is a battlefield this year for a number of such targeted races.
Prochno contends the Democratic Party's role is an issue because she claims it calls Walker's allegiance into question.
"Who is he going to answer to when he gets elected?" she asked rhetorically at the debate.
Walker, a business consultant and former Citibank executive, says he will answer to the voters in the district.
"I'm representing this district as a suburban guy with a business background," Walker said.
Prochno and Walker are competing to replace retiring Republican state Rep. Carolyn Krause in the 66th District, which includes parts of Elk Grove Village, Arlington Heights, Rolling Meadows and Mount Prospect.