Krause makes endorsement as candidates begin election filing season

On the first day for filing for the 2008 primary, retiring Republican state Rep. Carolyn Krause said she's throwing her support to an Elk Grove Village trustee and teacher to succeed her.

Krause, 69, of Mount Prospect, who won't seek re-election after serving for 15 years in Springfield, said she wants Republican candidate Christine K. Prochno to take her place.

Prochno filed Monday, as did two other candidates for the 66th District.

Arlington Heights resident Laura Bartell, who ran unsuccessfully for village trustee this year, has filed as a Republican. She could not be reached for comment.

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Also, there will be at least one Democratic challenger, Mark Walker, of Arlington Heights.

"I am supporting Christine because a major part of my district includes Elk Grove Village and she has served on the village board and I have seen her perform," Krause said. "She's a teacher, and education is a big issue."

Prochno has been on the village board for 10 years and has been a teacher for more than 20 years.

Prochno said she's getting Krause's support due to her work on the village board and their shared values.

"I am a qualified candidate with 10 years experience (on the village board)," Prochno said. "Our views are mostly right in alignment, and she wants someone who shares her views to be in that position."

Democrats have never mounted much of a challenge to Krause, often leaving the ballot spot vacant since she first won election in 1992.

But Democratic challenger Dan Kotowski's upset of Republican Cheryl Axley of Mount Prospect last November in the 33rd District could means a Democrat has a shot with Krause out of the race.

While her district is largely Republican, Krause predicts it'll be a "competitive" race with a Democrat in the mix. Party affiliation will be important, she said, but it won't be the biggest factor.

"I think I will say this about the district -- it will look at the individuals and what is their background and how they address the issues," Krause said.

Candidate filling ends next Monday. The Illinois primary will be held Feb. 5, which is six weeks earlier than the last statewide primary.