Munson, Farnham duke it out in the state's 43rd House district

During Keith Farnham's first year in office, he portrayed himself at Elgin area events as a freshman still learning the ropes in Springfield as the new state representatives for the 43rd District.

Now, as he seeks another two-year term on Nov. 2, the Democrat is saying the gloves are off and that he's not afraid to fight for his constituents or take on the state's heavy hitters like Gov. Pat Quinn or House Speaker Michael Madigan.

One example is Farnham vowing to do everything he can to override Quinn's veto of a bill that would have provided Elgin Area School District U-46 with $22 million more in state funding.

Farnham says he's retired and not necessarily trying to make a career out of the state seat.

"I'm not scared of the governor. I'm not scared of the speaker. I have nothing to lose. It's important to make a difference while you're there (in Springfield)," Farnham said. "I think I've done a pretty good job. Do you want to get rid of an employee you hired 19 months ago or bring back an employee you just replaced?"

That employee that Farnham replaced is Republican Ruth Munson, who held the seat from 2002 until November 2008 when she lost by 322 votes.

Two years ago, Farnham received help from the surge of support for President Obama.

Now, the tables could be turned as GOP leaders ratchet up their campaigns in the national midterm elections and put emphasis on the Illinois governor's seat.

Munson said that if elected she will help balance out the wasteful spending in Springfield by Democrats.

"The last two years, it got worse instead of better," said Munson, who added that when she campaigns door-to-door, instead of being met with skepticism, people say, "Things are bad, we're glad you're back."

Munson also downplayed her part-ownership in a Elgin area website, bocajump.com. She said she does not view it as a conflict of interest that she is involved in the for-profit venture, which receives advertising dollars from the city of Elgin and Elgin Community College.

If elected, Munson could theoretically vote on grants and other state funding for Elgin and ECC, along with other potential advertisers.

The website has restaurant reviews and other community news, but has not published articles about the state elections or her specific race.

"We're not dealing with policy issues or policy initiatives," she said. "I could certainly disclose any relationship I have (with bocajump.com) and if it was deemed a conflict I would take myself out of bocajump." Farnham declined to answer whether he believes Munson's ownership in the website could be a conflict of interest.

"I'm not going to criticize her. I think people can make their own judgment," he said.

The 43rd House District includes parts of Elgin, South Elgin, East Dundee and Carpentersville.