Contested GOP primaries likely for DuPage board
A combination of redistricting, open seats and Democratic incumbents has resulted in a long list of Republicans expected to run for the DuPage County Board.
Contested GOP primary races are anticipated in four of the six county board districts. It appears Democrats, including three hoping to keep their spots on the board, will get a free ride in the March 20 primary.
All 18 DuPage County Board members are up for re-election because of redistricting — the once-in-a-decade process of remapping district boundaries. There are three board members for each district.
The board races officially begin next week when candidates start filing their nominating petitions. Here’s a look at how the contested Republican races are shaping up:
District 2
As many as 10 challengers could end up joining incumbent Brien Sheahan in what’s expected to be the county’s most crowded primary race.
Sheahan says he’s not surprised considering that fellow District 2 representatives Jeff Redick and Pat O’Shea both announced they won’t seek re-election. Redick was appointed a toll road board member, and O’Shea is planning to run for judge.
“Potential candidates see that as an opportunity,” said Sheahan, adding that redistricting is a factor. The redrawn District 2 includes all or portions of Addison, Clarendon Hills, Downers Grove, Elmhurst, Hinsdale, Lisle, Lombard, Naperville, Oak Brook, Oakbrook Terrace, Villa Park, Westmont and Woodridge.
“I think new blood, new ideas and new energy are always valuable,” Sheahan said. “I welcome the interest.”
Challengers who have announced plans to run are Mike Loftus of Lisle, Lombard Trustee Zachary Wilson, Elmhurst Mayor Pete Dicianni, Rafael Rivadeneira of Elmhurst, Jim Long of Downers Grove and Charles Mueller of Elmhurst.
Oak Brook resident Elaine Zannis and Sean Noonan of Elmhurst have picked up petition packets from the DuPage County Election Commission office. Party leaders say two other people still are contemplating whether to run.
District 3
Incumbents John Curran, Brian Krajewski and Michael McMahon want to keep their seats, but that might not stop two fellow Republicans from jumping into the primary fray.
Woodridge Trustee Greg Abbott and retired DuPage Judge Ken Moy of Hinsdale say they would like to represent the district.
“I think government needs to go in a different direction, and we need to look at a new business model,” said Abbott, a 48-year-old attorney. “I want to be a part of that.”
District 3 includes all or portions of Bolingbrook, Burr Ridge, Clarendon Hills, Darien, Downers Grove, Hinsdale, Lemont, Naperville, Westmont, Willowbrook and Woodridge.
District 5
Incumbent board members James Healy and John Zediker will be kept company in the primary by Lisle Trustee Ed Young, former Naperville Councilman Richard “Dick” Furstenau, Naperville resident Patty Gustin and Aurora residents Paul Santucci and Tonia Jane Khouri.
“Most of them have said they’re not running against John or me,” Healy said of the five challengers. “In fact, most of them are endorsing us. They want to be part of the team.”
District 5 includes parts of Aurora, Lisle, Naperville, Warrenville and Woodridge.
The crowded primary race guarantees that Tony Michelassi of Aurora — one of the three incumbent Democrats on the county board — will have to battle to keep his seat during next fall’s general election.
District 6
So far, the field of contenders include incumbent board members Jim Zay and Robert Larsen, plus David J. Sabathne of West Chicago and Kevin Wiley of Bartlett. Two other individuals — Tom Sutton and Terrell Barnes — have picked up petition packets.
Larsen said the Republican challengers ultimately are taking aim at the county board seat held by Democratic incumbent Dirk Enger. “They feel they can run for that spot without running against me or Jim,” he said.
Of course, Democrats are hoping to make political gains of their own. Party leaders say Dave Barry and Lauren Nowak, both of Bartlett, are planning to join Enger on the Democratic ticket.
The newly redrawn District 6 includes all or parts of Aurora, Bartlett, Bloomingdale, Carol Stream, Glendale Heights, Hanover Park, Naperville, Roselle, St. Charles, Warrenville, Wayne, West Chicago, Wheaton and Winfield.