Did political party switch help Froehlich?

State Rep. Paul Froehlich of Schaumburg was able to keep his seat in Springfield despite his switch from Republican to Democrat in the middle of his term.

For some reason, it worked.

Schaumburg Township Republican Committeeman Mike Adelizzi attributes Froehlich's victory in large part to the "Obama factor."

"He was on the right side of the historical tidal wave that we saw," Adelizzi said. "A year ago, I would have bet the entire farm that Froehlich was going to get beat. If Obama wasn't the candidate, I don't think Paul would have won. It was the perfect storm in politics."

Others, however, had a different take.

"My interpretation of it is that he's doing his job," Schaumburg Township Democratic Committeeman Rocco Terranova said. "Republicans and Democrats alike just love him. I'm serious. I've seen it firsthand. He's voting right on the issues. And he's worked hard."

Schaumburg Township Elementary District 54 board member Charlotte Kegarise, who once served with Froehlich on the school board, had planned to run against him until an objection forced her off the primary ballot.

She said she spent about four months last year angry over his defection. But she too believes his victory came from his record.

"Paul Froehlich, no matter what party he belongs to, works for his community," Kegarise said. "It's hard for me to say anything because we've been friends for a long time. We called to congratulate him, even though he now has that nasty 'D' after his name."

Schaumburg Township District Library Trustee Debby Miller, a member of the Schaumburg Township Democrats, believes personal support was the main reason for Froehlich's victory.

"Voters supported the person. They didn't simply vote for party," Froehlich said of his victory on election night. "I did knock on thousands of doors over the last six months. - I think people want someone to work hard on their behalf and that's what I'm prepared to do."