On second thought, Lake board member won't run in 59th District

Just two days after toying with a campaign for higher office, Lake County Board member Aaron Lawlor on Tuesday said he won't run for the state House in 2010.

Lawlor, a Vernon Hills Republican appointed to the board in July, said he'll instead seek election to a full term representing the county's 18th District.

"I think it is best for the county and the 18th District that I stand for election (here) and work on issues I thought were important when I sought the appointment, and during my tenure so far," Lawlor said.

Over the weekend, Lawlor had said he was considering a bid for the state House 59th District seat that until recently was held by Democrat Kathy Ryg.

Ryg resigned last month and was replaced Saturday by an appointee, Carol Sente.

Lawlor, who was appointed to replace Pam Newton on the county board, said he had been wooed by state GOP leaders and members of Lake County's Republican delegation to run for the legislature.

"Certainly when you're asked you have to consider the opportunity," Lawlor said Tuesday. "It's an honor to be considered."

But he won't run. Rather, he said he'll support Green Oaks Republican Dan Sugrue's bid.

Sugrue lost to Ryg in the 2008 election. Green Oaks business owner Mohan Manian also is running as a Republican.

Sugrue said he's glad to have Lawlor's support and will back his campaign for the county seat.

"It's vital for the Republicans to maintain control of the county board," Sugrue said.

Lawlor's decision to stay put and run for the county post could improve the GOP's chances of retaining its majority on the panel. The board has 13 Republicans and 10 Democrats now, but Democrats made significant inroads in the past few elections and are expected to seriously target several incumbent Republicans in 2010.

The Democrats certainly want to keep the 59th House seat, too. Sente and Buffalo Grove Village President Elliot Hartstein have declared their candidacies.

Most of the 59th District is in eastern Lake County. A small portion is in northern Cook County.