THE JOURNAL & TOPICS NEWSPAPERS | WEEK OF APRIL 20, 2008

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Tatooles To Run Against Nekritz In 57th

James Tatooles was asked by Republican committeemen of Maine, Wheeling, and Northfield townships to run against Democrat Elaine Nekritz in the 57th Dist. for the Illinois State House.

Tatooles, 70, has practiced law for 40 years in the Northwest suburbs focusing on personal injury, criminal representation, real estate, and litigation. He grew up Des Plaines and Park Ridge and now lives in Northbrook.

He calls running for public office "a way to pay back this area." He added that Republicans are under-represented and accused his Democratic rival of not representing the whole district.

"Republicans are neglected in this area," said Tatooles. "What about the rest of the district? She seems to favor Glenview." He said the district needs "equal representation."

When asked about specific issues, Tatooles discussed taxes, roads, and putting an end to the gridlock and infighting in Springfield. "The average guy is concerned with his taxes," said Tatooles. "People are running out of Cook County to make purchases."

Tatooles said he was not ready to discuss issues in any detail. "I just got on the ballot yesterday, I need some more time to research and prepare."

Nekritz responded saying, "I try to represent the whole district." She defended her record saying she worked on issues of rail congestion and flood relief. Nekritz has lobbied Washington, D.C. to put through the sale of the EJ&E Railroad to Canadian National.

Nekritz said the only tax increase she supported was the recent quarter-cent sales tax increase to fund CTA, Metra, and Pace.

Tatooles said the three Republican committeemen would back his candidacy with "a tremendous amount of volunteers." Those committeemen put him on the ballot on Monday, Apr. 7.

Tatooles would not say what kind of financial support the party or those committeemen would bring to his campaign.