'True' Democrat takes on 'new' Democrat in Kane Co. Board race

The race for the 17th District seat on the Kane County Board has one candidate defending her recent party change.

Deborah Allan, the incumbent running to stay in office, had been a Republican for the bulk of her two terms on the board, but last fall decided to switch parties by filing as a Democrat.

Allan, 60, says the Democrats on the board are more in line with the person she is today.

"It was just a better fit for me," said Allan, who was raised Republican. "The folks who want to address each issue one at a time from a standpoint of fairness ... tend to be the Democrats."

Were it not for her change of party, she might not facing fellow Democrat Benjamin Bernal until November.

As it is now, the Elgin residents are squaring off in a primary race scheduled for Feb. 2. Their district encompasses Elgin's east side.

Bernal, 30, doesn't understand why Allan changed course and couldn't resolve her issues with the Republicans.

"If you're going to fight for something, you might as well stay where you're at and don't switch and stay in a certain area because it's easier," said Bernal, who said he decided to run for Allan's seat before she became a Democrat. "I'm a lifetime Democrat and I stand where I stand - as a true Democrat."

Bernal has been active in the party for nine years and most recently worked on the campaign that helped state Sen. Michael Noland secure a seat in the General Assembly.

While Bernal says he's a true Democrat, Allan says she's a new Democrat.

She recognizes it isn't fair to him that she changed parties, but added, "There is only so much sympathy I'm going to extend to him."

"I have every reason to think it's a fair and honorable fight and I do admire him and I think he's a fine candidate," Allan said. "But I think I'm a fine candidate, too."