Plainfield Park Commissioner Tries Again for State Rep Seat

It seems it’s always election season in Illinois, and several local candidates are already campaigning for 2014.

It’s been less than a year since Democrat Natalie Manley won the race for 98th District State Representative, but Plainfield Park District Commissioner Janet Silosky is reportedly looking to challenge her for the seat.

Silosky herself is newly elected; after running unopposed for the Plainfield Park District board, she is just more than two months into a six-year term.

But it looks as if she might be leaving her post early if voters see fit to make her a candidate for the 98th District seat.

Back in 2012, Silosky lost the March primary to Bolingbrook Republican Bob Kalnicky. Though he won a spot on the November ballot, Kalnicky ultimately lost to Manley, a Joliet Democrat.

Silosky did not respond to a message from Patch on Monday, but the Will County Republican Central Committee website’s list of upcoming events shows a fundraiser for Silosky’s campaign is slated for Aug. 13 at Bolingbrook Golf Club.

A flier for the event lists the cost as $50 per person, or $95 for two people. Sponsorships ranging from $250 to a $5,000 “Platinum Eagle” sponsorship are also available, according to the flier. 

Senger looks to unseat Foster

Meanwhile, State Rep. Darlene Senger announced her intention to run for Congress in the 11th District. She looks to unseat Democratic U.S. Rep Bill Foster, who defeated longtime Congresswoman Judy Biggert last November.

Senger, a former Naperville City Council member, announced her candidacy at a July 29 press conference.

“Only through change in Washington and by changing our congressman, will we be able to restore hope and opportunity. We are the sum of our experiences,” Senger said Monday, according to a press release issued by her campaign. “My over 20 years of service to our community on behalf of taxpayers, families, and seniors has given me insight into the concerns, challenges and issues we all face.” 

She added that her focus will be on education, creating jobs, reducing government spending and "protecting Social Security," according to the release.

But Senger herself could face a challenge from a fellow Republican. Ian Bayne, whose website lists him as small business owner and lifelong Republican, has also announced his intention to run for Foster’s seat.

"Today I signed Grover Norquist's taxpayer protection pledge," Bayne said in a July 28 press release. "I'd rather be signing a pledge to cut taxes because that's what needs to be done."

According to the release, 39-year-old Bayne “is a small business owner, with ownership in real estate, private investigation, and restaurant consulting. He is also a syndicated conservative talk show host in 16 markets, and a voiceover actor and member of the Screen Actor's Guild …”