Lauzen to seek re-election; may face challenge

State Sen. Chris Lauzen confirmed this week that he will run for re-election next year.

But he may also have a Republican challenger, as Sugar Grove Village President Sean Michels said he is mulling a run at the seat himself.

Michels said he is still debating stepping into the race, but is circulating petitions for the February GOP primary for the 25th Senate District. He said he has heard from many people that the district, which covers much of western Kane County and Kendall County, needs better representation, and he criticized Lauzen for "being involved for 17 years and still not (being) a part of the leadership (in Springfield)."

"You need to come up with solutions instead of just washing your hands and saying 'I told you so,'" Michels said.

Lauzen said he hadn't heard about Michels' potential run for the seat. He said the two have known each other for decades. But Lauzen bristled at Michels' comments, defending his record in Springfield.

"If he is describing my behavior as washing my hands, as opposed to consistently storming the ramparts of a self-serving establishment, he's demonstrating an inaccurate assessment of our current situation," Lauzen said.

Lauzen, who unsuccessfully ran for Congress in the 14th District last year, said he had been weighing his options, but finally decided there is still "a huge amount to do in the state of Illinois." He said when it comes to the upcoming 14th District race, "it is my turn to help somebody else."

That someone may be State Sen. Randy Hultgren, who threw his hat into the ring last month. Lauzen has publicly praised Hultgren and has worked closely with him for years. Hultgren joins Ethan Hastert, Mark Vargas, Jeff Dankelfsen and Bill Cross on the Republican side of the race.

The first day to file petitions with the State Board of Elections is Oct. 26. The filing period ends one week later, on Nov. 2.