Journal Editor

A local Republican who's been mentioned as a possible replacement for outgoing State Senator Dave Sullivan (R-33d) announced Monday that he may be a candidate for the position in the Mar. 21, 2006 primary race.

Des Plaines resident Eric Leys said that an exploratory committee has been formed to evaluate his entrance into the race to succeed Sullivan. Leys said members of the committee will begin collecting signatures on petitions to place his name on the March Republican primary ballot. In addition, he anticipates that preliminary voter surveys will be conducted as early as October.

Leys, 25, president of the Maine Township High School Dist. 207 School Board, is one of several Republicans who have expressed an interest in being appointed Sullivan's replacement. Sullivan's last day on the job was Monday. He resigned explaining that he has to increase his earning power because he has two children attending Marquette University in Milwaukee, Wisc., a private college.

Besides Leys, Maine Township Republican Committeeman Mark Thompson, Elk Grove GOP Committeeman Cheryl Axley, Des Plaines Mayor Tony Arredia, Arlington Hts. Mayor Arlene Mulder, local businessman Rudy Pamintuan, and state representatives Rosemary Mulligan and Carolyn Krause have been mentioned as possible Sullivan replacements.

Leys said his exploratory committee will gather financial commitments for his possible candidacy as well as volunteers.

Republican committeemen within the 33d Senate Dist. that Sullivan served are expected to soon meet to name a replacement. Whoever is chosen will serve out Sullivan's term which lasts until January 2007. Besides the March primary, a November general election will be held. Whoever committeemen appoint is expected to have an edge on winning the spring primary and November general elections.