Rematch shaping up for McHenry Co.'s 64th Dist. House seat

Election Day is still more than a year away, but the contest for McHenry County's 64th District seat in the Illinois House already is shaping up to be a rematch of 2008.

Republican State Rep. Mike Tryon and last year's Democratic challenger, Robert Kaempfe, each said Thursday they are circulating petitions to claim a spot on the 2010 ballot.

"Springfield is still a mess and nothing seems to be changing," Kaempfe, of Crystal Lake, said in a statement announcing his candidacy. "I want to represent the average person and not owe allegiance to corporate lobbyists, like so many elected officials."

Tryon, who is seeking a fourth term, said he hopes voters recognize his hard work in Springfield. Those efforts, he said, helped land his district $177 million in projects - including the long-awaited Algonquin bypass - in this year's state capital plan.

"I'm banking on the fact voters appreciate hard work and results," the Crystal Lake resident said.

Tryon, who previously served as chairman of the McHenry County Board, defeated Kaempfe in November with about 61 percent of the vote. For Kaempfe, a retired Postal Service worker and Army veteran, it was his first run for elected office.

The 64th District includes all or parts of Algonquin, Barrington Hills, Cary, Crystal Lake, Fox River Grove Huntley and Lake in the Hills.