Rauschenberger scored another win in political comeback
Former state Sen. Steve Rauschenberger scored an important victory Wednesday in his battle to stay on the primary ballot for his old Elgin-area seat.
"I'm very, very, very pleased," declared Rauschenberger's election attorney Burt Odelson.
Cook County Circuit Court Judge Edward O'Brien sided with Rauschenberger in a case that centers on whether the candidate - a veteran GOP lawmaker who heads up a conservative fundraising operation - is really a Republican.
Rauschenberger voted in the local Democratic primary earlier this year to support a relative for office. Then he filed to run as a Republican in the upcoming Feb. 2 primary.
Michael Kasper, an attorney for the Illinois Democratic Party, is challenging Rauschenberger's political stripes because in 2008 a suburban Democratic challenger was successfully kicked off the ballot because he voted in the preceding Republican primary. That case was pushed by Republicans.
Rauschenberger is arguing that his vote in the local elections should not carry over to a separate election cycle for the 2010 primary.
An appeal of Wednesday's ruling is expected next week.
Earlier in the legal fight over Rauschenberger's status, a state election hearing officer ruled against the former lawmaker.
But Rauschenberger stayed on the ballot because the election commission couldn't come up with five votes to uphold the officer's decision. The commission is split 4-4 along party lines.
Kasper has declined to comment on an ongoing case.
State Sen. Michael Noland says he welcomes a challenge from Rauschenberger and he denounced the attempts to kick him off the ballot, asserting that he has nothing to do with them.
"He is not doing anything at my direction," Noland said of Kasper.
The actual appeal is filed on behalf of Frederick Hossfeld of Streamwood.
Rauschenberger held the 22nd District seat for 14 years, but didn't seek re-election in 2006 when he ran for lieutenant governor and lost.
Three individuals have filed to run as write-in candidates in the GOP primary including Kane County Recorder of Deeds Sandy Wegman as well as Rauschenberger supporters Elgin Township Clerk Kurt Kojzarek and Elgin attorney Jeff Meyer.