Third contender enters House race

The race for retiring state Rep. Jim Meyer's seat is intensifying.

District 5 DuPage County Board member Michael Connelly announced Thursday he will jump into the fray in the Feb. 5 primary.

Two other Republicans, longtime Naperville Councilman Doug Krause and DuPage GOP Executive Director David Carlin, also are seeking the 48th District spot.

Connelly, a Lisle attorney and former prosecutor, said he'll focus on fiscal issues.

"I'd like to ensure tax dollars emanating in DuPage County go back to DuPage County instead of bailing out the city of Chicago," he said.

Prior to his election to the county board in 2006, Connelly served as a Lisle village trustee where he spearheaded an effort to locate a community sports complex at Benedictine University.

Elections are "always an uphill battle, but I'm excited about getting out and talking about what can be done in Springfield," he said.

Krause, a real estate broker, was elected to a fifth term on the city council in 2005. He contends his municipal experience lends itself to a state position.

Carlin, operates a consulting business and is a College of DuPage trustee.

"The more the merrier," he said of Connelly's announcement. "I'm going to get out and show people I'm in the race for the right reasons."

DuPage Democrats have not yet slated a candidate.