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Jack Franks Ditching Statehouse To Run For County Board Chair

Illinois House Democrats

An outspoken Democratic state representative says he's running for McHenry County board chairman instead of seeking re-election. 

  State Rep. Jack Franks first took office in 1999 and has often clashed with his own party. McHenry County Democratic Party officials chose him Sunday to fill the ballot vacancy for board chairman. He'll have to collect 270 signatures to get his name on the November ballot. 

In a statement, Franks says he won't seek re-election for the General Assembly. Party leaders have until late August to find a replacement. 

Franks says that he believes he can do more good in McHenry County. He says the county is overtaxed and population is declining. He says the county relies too much on raising taxes. 

Republican Mike Walkup is also running for county board chairman.