AFLA eyeing three Elgin City Council races

The election spotlight may be shining bright on the Illinois gubernatorial race, Illinois U.S. Senate seat and a host of state legislative races, but the spring election field in Elgin could soon heat up.

David White, the co-founder of the Association for Legal Americans, said the group will meet later this month to explore whether to field a slate of candidates for three Elgin City Council seats and the mayor's post.

"We're trying to find some quality people, It's not just an immigration issue," White said.

Last month, Councilman David Kaptain threw his hat into the ring to challenge Mayor Ed Schock.

White says he's undecided over whether to run for mayor, which would trigger a three-way race and a primary. He expects to have a clearer picture by September.

"Were going to definitely try to find somebody to run for those four seats," he said.

"We're looking at is as three council seats and the mayor. If we can find the right people, we can change the atmosphere.

Councilmen Mike Warren and John Steffen are up for re-election in the spring. Kaptain will give up his current council seat to run for mayor, meaning there will be at least one new council member elected.

In spring 2009, two AFLA-backed candidates, John Prigge and Richard Dunne, won 4-year terms but Mike Robins failed in his attempt to secure a 2-year seat.