McHenry County Chairman Jack Franks won't run for attorney general

Not yet ready to abandon his post as McHenry County Board chairman, Jack Franks announced Tuesday that he will not run for Illinois attorney general.

Franks, a Marengo Democrat, says he was tempted to enter the race to replace four-term officeholder Lisa Madigan after receiving an outpouring of support from constituents.

Nearly a year into his chairman role, however, Franks said the county has taken great strides to cut taxes, restructure government and improve efficiency. He's not ready to give up the fight.

"Something really special is beginning to happen in McHenry County," he said. "The tax reductions are real, but they are not complete. I have therefore decided to pass on the opportunity to run for attorney general in favor of fulfilling my commitment to the taxpayers of McHenry County."

Franks previously served as a state representative for nine terms before becoming McHenry County's first popularly elected board chairman last November. He ran on platforms of reducing government size and cutting the county's tax levy by 10 percent.

"Working together with my Republican colleagues, we can make McHenry County the best run, most efficient and transparent county in the nation," he said. "This battle is too important to stop."