Journal Editor

As local Republicans jockey for position to see who will replace current State Senator Dave Sullivan when and if he resigns before his term has expired, a lone Democrat has stepped forward to declare his candidacy for the job.

Dan Kotowski, 38, a marketing and public relations employee for Uhlich, an agency that serves youth who are victims of abuse and neglect, has been campaigning since last November to win the position held for the last several years by Sullivan. Kotowski said it is "natural" for him to become involved in politics because of his professional background.

"So much of my job is working with the public sector," said Kotowski. "I've been successful and I know how things work. I've lobbied extensively for legislation to protect people from violence."

A Park Ridge resident for the last five years, Kotowski and his wife Anne are the parents of two boys: Nate 5 and Cooper 2. Dan is a graduate of the University of Illinois. He earned a master's degree in writing from DePaul University.

Until about three weeks ago, Kotowski thought he would challenge the popular Republican incumbent Sullivan. However, Sullivan recently announced that he will not seek another term in the state senate citing his belief that the $65,000 annual salary paid to senators is not enough. Sullivan said he plans to become a lobbyist in order to earn more money to pay for family expenses especially college costs of sending two of his children to Marquette University in Milwaukee.

Since Sullivan's announcement, the names of several local Republicans have surfaced as possible successors should he resign before his current term expires in January 2007. Eight Republican committeemen who serve within Sullivan's 33d Senate district will elect a replacement for Sullivan, based on a weighted vote, should he resign before his term ends. Sullivan has indicated he may resign this fall or next spring. Among the names mentioned are Maine Township Republican Committeeman Mark Thompson, Elk Grove Township GOP Committeeman Cheryl Axley, state representatives Rosemary Mulligan and Carolyn Krause and media adviser Rudy Pamintuan. It's believed that if Sullivan leaves office early, whoever is appointed will have an edge in defeating a Democrat challenger in November 2006 and any GOP opponents next March.

"I was looking forward to the race with Sullivan," stated Kotowski. He said he started "reaching out" to potential supporters the day after last fall's November election.

"I said I'm going to run for office to effect change and help people. I've had lots of encouragement. I've talked to everybody I can."

Kotowski said he has received support from people throughout the Democrat Party, including Cook County State's Attorney Dick Devine , an individual he calls his "mentor and personal hero of mine for a long time."

Before taking on his present job in 2000, Kotowski worked for the City of Chicago's Committee on Transportation and Public Way and later as a speech writer in the press office of the State's Attorney under Democrat Cecil Partee and Republican Jack O'Malley.

"I'm proud of where I've come from and where I live," said Kotowski, a former resident of Chicago.

If elected, Kotowski said he will work to create and expand opportunities for people. He will look at incentives to help businesses and communities remain secure as well as labor to reduce domestic violence. He also said he feels it is a moral obligation of elected leaders to provide affordable health care calling the effort a "marathon not a sprint."

Said Kotowski, "I will be independent and fiscally responsible."

Financially, Kotowski said he has raised approximately $55,000 for his campaign. "I'm excited about that. It's from individuals. My goal is to raise $150,000 by December and $300,000 the following fall.

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