State Rep. David Harris might run for Congress

State Rep. David Harris announced Friday he is “testing the waters” or considering a run for Congress from the 8th District.

“I believe it is clear that our citizens want a government that works,” said the Arlington Heights Republican in a news release. “A government that lives within its means, provides needed services, and is responsive to the people. My service in the Illinois General Assembly has been guided by those principles, and I would carry those on to Congress if I became a candidate and then won the election.”

Harris said the congressional maps drawn by the Illinois Democrats are not fair or balanced and he hopes they are overturned in court, but even with the district as it is drawn, he is considering the candidacy.

The proposed 8th district includes parts of Elk Grove Village, Rolling Meadows, Schaumburg and Arlington Heights, which are communities in Harris’ current district. The new 8th district also has territory in DuPage and Kane counties.

Tammy Duckworth, who lost to Peter Roskam in the current 6th District in 2006, and Raja Krishnamoorthi, who unsuccessfully sought the Democratic nomination for comptroller last year, are seeking the Democratic nomination. Both are from Hoffman Estates.

There is no incumbent in the new 8th District. Joe Walsh, a Republican from McHenry, represents the current 8th District.