* Whenever you toy publicly with running for higher office you can raise your local public profile, but you also run the risk of prompting people in your district to start thinking seriously about running for your vacant district. Rep. Allen Skillicorn (East Dundee) did just that by teasing a congressional bid against US Rep. Lauren Underwood.
Skillicorn only fueled speculation about a possible “up or out” scenario when he didn’t raise a single dime in the second quarter and reported having only about $13K in his campaign bank account on June 30th.
He recently said he’ll announce his reelection next month at a fundraiser and then loaned his campaign $45,000 a couple of days ago.
* But Skillicorn now has a GOP primary opponent and she’s no slouch…
McHenry County Board member Carolyn Schofield of Crystal Lake has announced she will run for the Illinois 66th House District seat in the 2020 primary election.
Schofield, who also serves on the executive board of directors for the Chicago Metropolitan Agency for Planning (CMAP), said residents of the 66th District deserve better representation than they have received over the last three years.
“The people of the 66th District have had three years of failed leadership by Allen Skillicorn and it’s time for a change,” said Schofield. “While other House Republicans have been able to get bills signed into law that directly benefit their constituents, our current Representative has burnt bridges and become completely ineffective. He’s done nothing to build relationships that provide a foundation for personal legislative success. As a result, during his three years in office he still has not written even one bill* that he’s been able to carry through the entire legislative process. The people of the 66th District deserve a representative who is committed to working collaboratively to deliver real, sustainable results for McHenry and Kane Counties.”
Schofield said Skillicorn’s recent suggestion that he may run for Congress instead of the Illinois House is a clear indicator that the people of the 66th House District may no longer be his top priority. “He won’t say which office he’s running for in 2020,” Schofield said. “While he wallows in a state of indecision, I stand committed to serving the people of the 66th District where reforms have the greatest financial impact— at the state level. High property taxes and pension debt are the biggest issue here, and those problems are solved at the state level, not in Congress.”
Schofield said she decided to run for the 66th District seat after being approached by several community leaders who felt new state-level leadership was in order. “Successful legislators build relationships, establish trust, and respect their colleagues- even when their opinions on issues clash,” Schofield said. “We don’t have that in the 66th District. Instead, we have an individual who refuses to work with local municipalities on their issues, and rails against not just Democrats, but also members from his own caucus. We don’t need an obstructionist who believes the key to success is widening the political divide. That strategy does nothing to bring taxpayer dollars back to McHenry and Kane Counties.”
Schofield said she will leverage her reputation as a consensus-builder to bring change and reform to Illinois. “Consensus on key issues in Springfield is possible when we find common ground and work together on solutions,” Schofield added. “Only then can we make real progress in addressing the state’s financial problems, improve the jobs climate, and solve the pension crisis. Most importantly, since Republicans work from a position of super-minority, only when we work together will we be able to provide real and sustaining property tax relief for Illinoisans.”
Prior to being elected to the McHenry County Board in 2012, Schofield served on the Crystal Lake City Council from 2009-2012 and on the Crystal Lake Planning & Zoning Committee for ten years, from 1999-2009. She holds a Bachelor’s Degree in General Engineering with an Environmental Quality Specialization from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign.
*** UPDATE *** From Rep. Skillicorn…
Perennial candidate Carolyn Schofield is once again announcing her intention to run for State Representative in the 66th District. Voters in the Republican Party will be given a clear choice between a committed conservative who is resolutely opposed to tax increases and a candidate in Schofield who has never met a tax increase she didn’t like.
She once told Kane County GOP Executive Vice Chairman Jeff Meyer that the reason she supported so many property tax increases over the years was because the voters were not paying attention. Public servants should always be on guard for the taxpayers whether they are paying attention or not because protecting taxpayers’ hard-earned money is the right thing to do.
In her announcement she says the key to solving the state’s financial problems is “consensus.” It was “consensus” that gave us a 32 percent income tax increase in 2017. It was “consensus” that doubled the gas tax this year. It was “consensus” that created the pension crisis as both Democrats and Republicans in the Springfield establishment refused to act responsibility in terms of managing the state’s pension obligations. “Consensus” is a fancy way of voicing support for the failed policies that are bankrupting our state. The Illinois General Assembly already has a bunch of tax hikers. We don’t need more. My record on taxes speaks for itself. I have and will continue to stand up for taxpayers.
- Oswego Willy - Thursday, Aug 22, 19 @ 10:22 am:
The 66th District will decide how Magnificent Mr. Skillicorn actually is… lol
- Anon E Moose - Thursday, Aug 22, 19 @ 10:23 am:
She has my vote
- NIU Grad - Thursday, Aug 22, 19 @ 10:25 am:
“While other House Republicans have been able to get bills signed into law that directly benefit their constituents, our current Representative has burnt bridges and become completely ineffective. He’s done nothing to build relationships that provide a foundation for personal legislative success. As a result, during his three years in office he still has not written even one bill* that he’s been able to carry through the entire legislative process.”
Go. Get. Him. That area needs some real representation to address its challenges.
- Moe Berg - Thursday, Aug 22, 19 @ 10:27 am:
Oswego Willy: Is she the kind of GOP candidate you desire, and a template for those who, in time, could lead the party out of the Rauner/Trump nihilism that Skillicorn emobdies?
- Oswego Willy - Thursday, Aug 22, 19 @ 10:29 am:
The party doesn’t need “Magnificent 7” members, it needs members that can get things done, represent their district without overthinking the importance of representing the state, and understand that compromise and 60 and 30, especially in the minority, is doing the heavy lift as a legislator.
The state would be best served without so many “Magnificent” members.
- Dance Band on the Titanic - Thursday, Aug 22, 19 @ 10:37 am:
Pull up his legislative record. He couldn’t pass gas, let alone a substantive bill, in the General Assembly. No wonder not a single Senator had him carry their bills in the House.
Then again, stuff like this is always good for giggles: http://www.ilga.gov/legislation/BillStatus.asp?DocTypeID=HJRCA&DocNum=35&GAID=15&SessionID=108&LegID=121462
- efudd - Thursday, Aug 22, 19 @ 10:38 am:
Mr. Skillicorn
Your match is here to meet you.
- TheInvisibleMan - Thursday, Aug 22, 19 @ 10:39 am:
She looks like a respectable rebublican candidate.
But the bar has been set pretty low.
- Oswego Willy - Thursday, Aug 22, 19 @ 10:39 am:
- Moe Berg -
Couple things, I think are really important;
I’m the kiss of death, like Russ Stewart. My embracing isn’t a great thing, ask around
:)
To be less aloof…
I really don’t know what to think about this specific candidate or candidacy, “today”. I absolutely know, and I’m not a member of the HGOP or ILGOP, and they should, 100%, defend incumbents, unless true circumstances make that untenable, so, for me… to edit slightly…
“… the kind of GOP candidate you desire, and a template for those who, in time, could lead the party out of the Rauner/Trump nihilism”
… I think and feel many of the themes and attacks towards this incumbent ring true to that hope. I think understanding the district and how some members are dismissive of their districts for Raunerism, any challenger willing to call out those incumbents on that legislative history, I like that.
There needs to be a rebirth. Must.
Raunerites still engaged in Raunerite mindsets need challenges like the language above, and then see where they stand, be it a primary challenge or a November challenge.
I won’t lose sleep if Mr. Skillicorn lost. The angles, at this early stage, seem to be those I’d see too. I’ll be far more interested as this campaign goes forward, and how the HGOP and ILGOP will, rightly, defend the incumbent.
- CubsFan16 - Thursday, Aug 22, 19 @ 10:41 am:
I echo NIU grad’s line “Go get em.” Sounds like she’d be great. The Eastern Bloc + Skillicorn would rather their districts be worse off and stick to “principles” than improve their districts by occasionally compromising.
- SAP - Thursday, Aug 22, 19 @ 10:43 am:
No slouch? Don’t sell her short. She sounds like a tremendous slouch.
- Donnie Elgin - Thursday, Aug 22, 19 @ 10:43 am:
Say what you will about Skillicorn, dude works his district. He knocks on every GOP door and attends tons of community events. He hosts town halls and his office is very quick to return constituent calls
- Former Quigley Supporter - Thursday, Aug 22, 19 @ 10:45 am:
Skillicorn made this bed for himself, and I think he would have faced the rematch with Schofield even if he didn’t flirt with IL-14 congressional bid all year.
Whether Schofield is the right candidate is debatable. She lost to Skillicorn in 2016, and when interviewed for the vacant 33rd state senate seat last year, she was thoroughly dismantled by party leaders for her votes on taxes at McHenry County and Crystal Lake, though she claimed to be a fiscal conservative.
If she stays away from that “fiscal conservative” mien, which she is not, she could beat Skillicorn this time, because the real reason Skillicorn is weak has to do with the story last week about Dan Proft.
Remember who bankrolled Skillicorn’s successful 2016 race? This will be the first fruit of the loss of Proft’s “sugar daddy”.
Honestly, I think Skillicorn should forgo running for a 3rd term and do sonething more effective closer-to-home, like help McHenry County abolish some of their townships, or consolidate the Kane County clerk and recorders office.
- TheInvisibleMan - Thursday, Aug 22, 19 @ 10:58 am:
===dude works his district===
Yes. He can often be found on the nw herald facebook page ranting in his usual manner about madigan.
Just yesterday, in fact.
- Former Quigley Supporter - Thursday, Aug 22, 19 @ 11:06 am:
That “Mag 7″ faux movie poster is really going to haunt Skillicorn if he stays in the race to keep his seat. And with Dan Proft no longer getting money from his previous “sugar daddy”, Skillicorn will be toast.
- Oswego Willy - Thursday, Aug 22, 19 @ 11:07 am:
- Moe Berg -
Forgot…
Appreciate you asking, hope that answers to my thoughts.
Be well.
- DE - Thursday, Aug 22, 19 @ 11:09 am:
Please tell Mc Sweeny internal polling suggests he could top Durbin
- Oswego Willy - Thursday, Aug 22, 19 @ 11:10 am:
===Skillicorn will be toast===
I doubt that. Very much so.
The caucus will back the incumbent, as they should.
That’s my you don’t speak ill of fellow members, they are all in this together.
The challenger, any challenger, will be facing not only Skillicorn, but the caucus resources.
- Rich Miller - Thursday, Aug 22, 19 @ 11:13 am:
===The caucus will back the incumbent===
The caucus has no money for primaries.
- Fav human - Thursday, Aug 22, 19 @ 11:13 am:
Especially since she’s not a very good fit for that district. I can’t remember what election she lost recentl. While she certainly the type of moderate that some people would like, basically she’s really a case of Underwood light
- Oswego Willy - Thursday, Aug 22, 19 @ 11:14 am:
===The caucus has no money for primaries===
I mean, other than that… lol
- Oswego Willy - Thursday, Aug 22, 19 @ 11:16 am:
===basically she’s really a case of Underwood light===
Just say “Democrat light”, it’s easier, lol
- Former Quigley Supporter - Thursday, Aug 22, 19 @ 11:17 am:
Take it from someone who lives in the district. They won’t stick together with Skillicorn. While Schofield lost in 2016 and was thoroughly dismissed due to her record for last year’s 33rd district appointment, the caucus is fed up with the “Eastern Bloc”, and Skillicorn’s wanna be membership in that group will doom him.
Plus with Proft broke, so is Skillicorn.
- Oswego Willy - Thursday, Aug 22, 19 @ 11:22 am:
===the caucus is fed up with the “Eastern Bloc”===
Their silence is deafening, and Durkin himself told us its show business…
I’m waiting and watching, even the financially broke HGOP.
I guess if the caucus is broke, retribution against speaking out against other members is, shall we say, limited.
Team player or not, there’s no cash to keep folks from being a $&@#% problem.
- Fav human - Thursday, Aug 22, 19 @ 11:22 am:
>“Democrat light”
I perceive Underwood is being especially far left. Schofield is just moderately to the left. So it’s fairer to say she’s just a Democrat..
- Oswego Willy - Thursday, Aug 22, 19 @ 11:23 am:
===So it’s fairer to say she’s just a Democrat===
Well, that’s good for the party, call folks Dems… unless you’re a “Magnificent 7” kinda middle aged, white, male…?
- Da Big Bad Wolf - Thursday, Aug 22, 19 @ 11:27 am:
==No slouch? Don’t sell her short. She sounds like a tremendous slouch.==
I don’t understand. Can you be more specific?
- Rich Miller - Thursday, Aug 22, 19 @ 11:34 am:
=== She lost to Skillicorn in 2016===
605 votes in a three-way race.
- Da Lobsta - Thursday, Aug 22, 19 @ 11:50 am:
Can’t wait to see Skillicorn mansplain his way through a primary challenge.
- Nagidam - Thursday, Aug 22, 19 @ 11:50 am:
With Proft bankrupt and Skillicorn not able to raise money, Shoefield absolutely could win. We could go back to the days of yesteryear of hard work and coalition building as a means to victory for a legislative primary. I think she was former Representative Tryon’s pick to succeed him. Add in former Senator Althoff and she may get some traction.
- anon2 - Thursday, Aug 22, 19 @ 11:53 am:
Even if the GOP Caucus had the cash, Skillicorn has criticized fellow Republicans. Besides, a less hardline ideologue might be better able to hold the seat for the GOP.
- ETown60120 - Thursday, Aug 22, 19 @ 11:55 am:
should be interesting…
- Oswego Willy - Thursday, Aug 22, 19 @ 11:55 am:
===Shoefield absolutely could win.===
I’m not dismissing this run. Trying to honestly weigh the weight of incumbency, especially “here”
- Former Quigley Supporter - Thursday, Aug 22, 19 @ 12:09 pm:
===Well, that’s good for the party, call folks Dems… unless you’re a “Magnificent 7” kinda middle aged, white, male…?===
Skillicorn is 45. He’s well-passed middle aged for a man.
===We could go back to the days of yesteryear of hard work and coalition building as a means to victory for a legislative primary. ===
If Schofield abandons trying to apply the label of “fiscal conservative” to her candidacy, which her record proves she is not, she could win. She’s not a liberal tax-and-spender, and Skillicorn will try to paint her as one, while boasting he’s never voted for a tax increase, to which the response should be, yeah, and you have nothing to show for your time in Springfield.
- Oswego Willy - Thursday, Aug 22, 19 @ 12:12 pm:
===Skillicorn is 45. He’s well-passed middle aged for a man.===
40… is the new 30… K?
===If Schofield abandons trying to apply the label of “fiscal conservative” to her candidacy, which her record proves she is not, she could win. She’s not a liberal tax-and-spender, and Skillicorn will try to paint her as one, while boasting he’s never voted for a tax increase, to which the response should be, yeah, and you have nothing to show for your time in Springfield.===
So… gibberish, gibberish, gibberish… won in the precincts.
- Oswego Willy - Thursday, Aug 22, 19 @ 12:16 pm:
===He’s well-passed middle aged for a man.===
For giggles, “well-passed”… what do you “consider” middle age.
Well passed? What… 35?
- Yossarian - Thursday, Aug 22, 19 @ 12:28 pm:
What! I am 72 and am now just a “little-passed” middle age!
- All In - Thursday, Aug 22, 19 @ 12:34 pm:
As life expectancy approaches 80, in what parallel universe is 45 north of middle aged??
- Oswego Willy - Thursday, Aug 22, 19 @ 12:35 pm:
===In her announcement she says the key to solving the state’s financial problems is “consensus.” It was “consensus” that gave us a 32 percent income tax increase in 2017. It was “consensus” that doubled the gas tax this year. It was “consensus” that created the pension crisis as both Democrats and Republicans in the Springfield establishment refused to act responsibility in terms of managing the state’s pension obligations. “Consensus” is a fancy way of voicing support for the failed policies that are bankrupting our state. The Illinois General Assembly already has a bunch of tax hikers. We don’t need more. My record on taxes speaks for itself. I have and will continue to stand up for taxpayers.===
Ok…
From her announcement;
===“The people of the 66th District have had three years of failed leadership by Allen Skillicorn and it’s time for a change,” said Schofield. “While other House Republicans have been able to get bills signed into law that directly benefit their constituents, our current Representative has burnt bridges and become completely ineffective. He’s done nothing to build relationships that provide a foundation for personal legislative success. As a result, during his three years in office he still has not written even one bill* that he’s been able to carry through the entire legislative process. The people of the 66th District deserve a representative who is committed to working collaboratively to deliver real, sustainable results for McHenry and Kane Counties.”
…
Schofield said she decided to run for the 66th District seat after being approached by several community leaders who felt new state-level leadership was in order. “Successful legislators build relationships, establish trust, and respect their colleagues- even when their opinions on issues clash,” Schofield said. “We don’t have that in the 66th District. Instead, we have an individual who refuses to work with local municipalities on their issues, and rails against not just Democrats, but also members from his own caucus. We don’t need an obstructionist who believes the key to success is widening the political divide. That strategy does nothing to bring taxpayer dollars back to McHenry and Kane Counties.”===
That’s the framing for both.
Should be a doozy of a primary.
- TheInvisibleMan - Thursday, Aug 22, 19 @ 12:41 pm:
regarding the update.
Does skillicorn think that word salad is going to help him?
- Oswego Willy - Thursday, Aug 22, 19 @ 12:43 pm:
Skillicorn would have been extremely wise if he had listed the elected officials in his district endorsing him, since it’s being questioned his relationships in the district and in his caucus.
- Moe Berg - Thursday, Aug 22, 19 @ 12:46 pm:
OW: thank you for your response.
Certainly, someone like Schofield would never fly in the Eastern Bloc districts, but super curious how she’s received in exurban McHenry County. I believe Lauren Underwood narrowly edged out Randy Hultgren in McHenry.
- Rich Miller - Thursday, Aug 22, 19 @ 12:50 pm:
===super curious how she’s received in exurban McHenry County===
It was swingy last year. Pritzker lost by 2.4, Raoul lost by 0.6, but White, Mendoza and Frerichs won. Clinton lost by 0.06.
- Oswego Willy - Thursday, Aug 22, 19 @ 12:51 pm:
===Certainly, someone like Schofield would never fly in the Eastern Bloc districts, but super curious how she’s received in exurban McHenry County.===
You’re all over it.
Diversity of a caucus hinges on the candidates and understanding the diversity of the districts they represent.
Murphy and Beaubien, Mulligan and Pedersen.
They made a majority caucus. Those districts, “suburban Chicago”… different… like those members.
:)
- Former Quigley Supporter - Thursday, Aug 22, 19 @ 1:11 pm:
On what I see as middle-aged, I am far past it. Middle-aged for a man, 35; for a woman, 38. Life expectancy approaching 80, can believe it, but 90?
===Skillicorn would have been extremely wise if he had listed the elected officials in his district endorsing him, since it’s being questioned his relationships in the district and in his caucus.===
Since Skillicorn isn’t officially kicking off his reelection campaign until September 30, I’m guessing he will have his list ready by then.
But who might be on Skillicorn’s list, among Republicans, is interesting:
State Senator Don DeWitte? Both Skillicorn and Schofield competed with him for the 33rd senate district appointment last year, he’ll stay neutral.
Maybe Kane County Board Member where Skillicorn lives will endorse Skillicorn. The other Kane County board members for his district are Democrats. McHenry County Board Republicans will support their own.
His former colleagues on the East Dundee village board? Not sure
Considering the larger municipalities in Skillicorn’s district (Carpentersville, Crystal Lake, Algonquin, Lake in the Hills) are led by either Democrats or moderate Republicans, Skillicorn will get no help from city council/village board members there, and Schofield served on Crystal Lake city council.
Township officials? Doubtful he will get, or want, support from those townships who are embroiled in litigation, particularly in Algonquin Township. Grafton Township not much better.
Skillicorn would do better to not seek reelection.
- Oswego Willy - Thursday, Aug 22, 19 @ 1:19 pm:
According to the US Census… middle age is 45-60
- Oswego Willy - Thursday, Aug 22, 19 @ 1:20 pm:
===Skillicorn would do better to not seek reelection.==
I’m sure he’ll take your words under advisement.
- SAP - Thursday, Aug 22, 19 @ 1:34 pm:
==No slouch? Don’t sell her short. She sounds like a tremendous slouch.==
I don’t understand. Can you be more specific?
I was trying for a Caddyshack reference.
- Former Quigley Supporter - Thursday, Aug 22, 19 @ 1:35 pm:
=== According to the US Census… middle age is 45-60 ===
I knew there should have been a citizenship question!
Reality is, each of us have a real middle-age, except we won’t know what it really is while on this earth, and it is certainly out of our control, no matter what the census says.
- Nagidam - Thursday, Aug 22, 19 @ 1:40 pm:
That district was written the last remap to eventually go democrat. Shofield would match the district perfectly…if she could get out of a Modern Republican primary.
- Oswego Willy - Thursday, Aug 22, 19 @ 1:47 pm:
===Reality is, each of us have a real middle-age, except we won’t know what it really is while on this earth, and it is certainly out of our control, no matter what the census says.===
I dunno if speculating on Skillicorn’s “real” middle age makes sense to add credibility to your thoughts, but…
===That district was written the last remap to eventually go democrat. Shofield would match the district perfectly…if she could get out of a Modern Republican primary.===
Good stuff.
This is why the ILGOP / GOP GA need to realize Illinois isn’t Mississippi, or Alabama, or any other “Trumpkin” state.
The party needs to look at being inclusive, instead of being more “selective”.
Otherwise… 44/19/0… that will be the new high water mark.
When the party wants to be that larger umbrella to districts winnable to past campaigning… I’ll be “in” too
- Former Quigley Supporter - Thursday, Aug 22, 19 @ 1:48 pm:
=== Considering the larger municipalities in Skillicorn’s district (Carpentersville, Crystal Lake, Algonquin, Lake in the Hills) are led by either Democrats or moderate Republicans, Skillicorn will get no help from city council/village board members there, and Schofield served on Crystal Lake city council. ===
I just remembered from earlier this year. When the Democrats were considering the plastic bag tax, Skillicorn authored a House resolution opposing the bag tax. The Algonquin village board, led by its Democrat village president, ENDORSED the proposed bag tax, and I think the resoution passed unanimously.
So I wouldn’t look for any Algonquin village board members who are not Democrats, to come out and endorse his reelection bid. Algonquin is split nearly 50-50 between Skillicorn and McSweeney districts, with the village president on the Skillicorn side of the line.
- JS Mill - Thursday, Aug 22, 19 @ 1:56 pm:
=In her announcement she says the key to solving the state’s financial problems is “consensus.” It was “consensus” that gave us a 32 percent income tax increase in 2017. It was “consensus” that doubled the gas tax this year. =
Yeah, paying our bills is a real loser- only in the ILGOP.
- Former Quigley Supporter - Thursday, Aug 22, 19 @ 2:07 pm:
And let’s not forget what else is up for nomination in March — the IL-06 congressional primary between Jeanne Ives and Evelyn Sanguinetti. Given Skillicorn’s staunch support for Ives last year and his endorsement of the Libertarian nominee over Rauner, don’t think there aren’t people happy Skillicorn will be kept busy, and kept out of the IL-06 primary race and unable to help Ives’ campaign this time. Last year Skillicorn was unopposed in both primary and general.
- 4th - Thursday, Aug 22, 19 @ 2:33 pm:
Someone involved with CMAP has a basic understanding of infrastructure and services. That would be a major improvement on Skillcorn.
- SaulGoodman - Thursday, Aug 22, 19 @ 3:25 pm:
**Certainly, someone like Schofield would never fly in the Eastern Bloc districts, but super curious how she’s received in exurban McHenry County. I believe Lauren Underwood narrowly edged out Randy Hultgren in McHenry.
**
Shes actually probably a perfect fit for the General Election - Nancy Zettler (D), in her Senate run, actually won the Skillicorn half of the district against Dewitte.
But the McHenry County GOP is almost as crazy as the Eastern Bloc folks, so I’m not convinced Schofield can beat Allen in a primary.
But it’s going to be interesting…
- All In - Thursday, Aug 22, 19 @ 5:12 pm:
Agree with OW on the notion that with candidates like Skillicorn in the suburbs the House GOP is staring 39 members right in the face.
Even winning all downstate swing districts, which is a given with Trump winning 70% plus in those areas, sub 40 is in play.
44 really could be the high water mark.
- Da Big Bad Wolf - Thursday, Aug 22, 19 @ 7:13 pm:
==I was trying for a Caddyshack reference.==
Oh a 39 year old movie. Ok.