Sandack Begins Fundraising Effort for House Race

Money and support.

That was what Sen. Ron Sandack told a group of about 50 supporters he needs from them to win the Republican nomination for House District 81 during a fundraiser Thursday night.

“It’s hard to ask people for money, especially when we’re in such tough economic times, but that’s what it’s going to take,” Sandack said.

Sandack also said he wants to create an army of volunteers to push his campaign into the general election.

“Illinois is bankrupt. It is insolvent by any reasonable definition of that term. The news is bleak, but I believe it can get better,” Sandack said.

During his address to supporters, Sandack said he wanted to stay in Springfield to continue to address the state’s financial crisis and make Illinois more job friendly. To accomplish that he highlighted two goals – repealing the 67 percent income tax hike passed at the end of the last legislative session and implementing the in Springfield.

Sandack was appointed to the state Senate earlier this year after Sen. Dan Cronin stepped down to assume the role of DuPage County Chairman. However, after the Democratic majority in Springfield redrew legislative boundaries Sandack found himself in the same district as Senate Republican leader Christine Radogno of Lemont. Wanting to continue to serve in Springfield, Sandack launched a bid for the newly drawn 81st House District, which includes parts of Downers Grove, Darien, Lisle, Woodridge, Westmont, Naperville.  Radogno, along with Sen. Kirk Dillard and Rep. Michael Connelly, joined Sandack when he earlier this month.

On Thursday Sandack was joined at his fundraiser by Illinois Treasurer Dan Rutherford who touted the senator’s commitment to fiscal stability. Rutherford, who used to work for Service Master in Downers Grove, said he got to know Sandack when he was the town’s mayor and appreciated his vision and leadership abilities. After laying out the state’s financial problems, Rutherford said Sandack is a legislator who “gets it” and needs to remain in Springfield.

“We need your help to keep him there,” Rutherford said.

In the Republican primary Sandack, so far, faces Downers Grove Republican , vice president of. Sandack said he will hold to the mantra of President Ronald Reagan not to speak ill of another Republican.

“Let’s let this campaign be one of ideas and issues,” Sandack said.

Sandack said he did not know how much money would need to be raised for the primary election. He said there are estimates that leg of the campaign could cost between $50,000 and $100,000. Sandack has several fundraisers scheduled over the next few weeks.

So far Sandack said he’s received the support of most of the mayors in the 81st  as well as many of his colleagues in the legislature. Sandack said he will seek the support of Republican leaders across the district including the two Republican township organizations. Earlier this year the DGTRO changed its bylaws to allow the organization to endorse candidates in a primary election, chairman Brian Krajewski said. However, the new rules require candidates to garner 75 percent before an endorsement can be given, which both Sandack and Krajewski said could be tough to receive in a contested primary race.

“Endorsements are great, but the only ones that count are the people who support you at the polls,” Sandack said.