Lake Co. Republicans start campaign

Four well-known Lake County Republicans announced a joint re-election effort Monday as the campaign season for next year's races gets underway.

Sheriff Mark Curran, County Clerk Willard Helander, Treasurer Robert Skidmore and Regional Superintendent of Schools Roycealee Wood will be working together as the Republican Leadership Team and will appear on the Feb. 2, 2010 primary ballot. The general election is Nov. 2, 2010.

The affiliation is more a show of unity, as no Republican opponents are expected to challenge them in the primary. Candidates are in the process of gathering signatures on petitions to run.

"I would be really surprised if they would have any opposition but it's the beginning of the (election) cycle," said Lake County Republican Party Chairman Dan Venturi. "They're kicking off their campaign now."

All but Curran are longtime office holders. Running with Democratic backing and resources, he defeated veteran Lake County Sheriff Gary Del Re in 2006.

He'll be facing his first re-election campaign but with a dramatic twist: Last December, Curran switched parties, saying his conscience wouldn't allow him to continue his association with "that party of corruption."

The high-profile Curran is known for spending a week in jail and attending FBI training school. He also plans to launch a suicide prevention program.

"I guess I'm humbled that I have been received so well," he said. "These are solid people."

Helander has continually implemented new mandates since 1995 and given voters more access to information through Web site improvements, according to the release announcing the joint re-election effort. Lake County is among the leaders in early voting, and the number of voters has increased.

Skidmore, the longtime treasurer, has upgraded technology providing quicker service to customers in person and online.

Wood is described as a "leader and mentor in education in Lake County for decades."

Venturi said Democrats have pledged to field opponents but no names have surfaced.

"I think we've got a great slate and I welcome the challenge," he said.