I was disappointed that there were no Elginites among those who threw their hats into the ring for the 14th district seat, but there is another congressional election in Illinois where someone with an Elgin connection is running.

Jim McConoughey, formerly of Algonquin, is running in the Republican primary for Ray LaHood’s 18th congressional district seat (Peoria). When he lived up here, Mr. McConoughey was manager of ECC’s Business Conference Center, and active in Elgin. From his campaign website:

Prior to joining the staff of The Heartland Partnership, Jim chaired the Kane County Economic Development Commission, was Vice President of the Elgin Chamber of Commerce, and President of the Downtown Waterfront Development. (source: McConoughey website)

There are no longer any Democrats in the race, so whoever wins the Republican primary is likely to go to Congress.

McConoughey is polling second to the frontrunner, state legislator Aaron Schock. Schock is a formidable fundraiser, with an unparalleled record of getting himself elected to public office at ages that would disqualify most candidates. Indeed, Schock, if elected–which is very likely, will become the so-called “Baby of the House.” He is 26 years old, which is five years younger than the current “baby,” Patrick T. McHenry.

The Republican party in Illinois remains in a demoralized state and a fresh young face may just be the antidote for its old man blues.

Filed under: politics.
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