Posted Online: Oct. 02, 2009, 8:33 pm
By Brandy Donaldson, bdonaldson@qconline.com

Republican Rock Island County Board member Rich Morthland will be traveling the 71st State Legislative District on Oct. 12, laying out his vision for the state and requesting input from area residents, he announced Friday.

Mr. Morthland will announce his 2010 primary election plans along the way, he said. He is seeking the Republican nomination for the 71st District seat held by Democrat Mike Boland of East Moline. A handful of Democrats are seeking their party’s nod in the primary election Feb. 2.

“We”re planning a full day of activities so that we can make contact with as many friends and fellow citizens as possible,” Mr. Morthland said. “We are working to make Illinois great again, and that process begins on Columbus Day, Oct. 12.”

Jerry Lack of East Moline is the only Democratic hopeful to announce his election bid. According to Rock Island County Democratic Party officials, Porter McNeil, Dennis Ahern and Phil Banaszek also are circulating petitions for the seat.

Rep. Boland said Friday he will announce in the next couple of weeks whether he will seek re-election to the state legislature or run for lieutenant governor. He has petitions circulating for both positions.

Mr. Morthland’s Columbus Day schedule includes a 9 a.m. stop at the Carroll County Courthouse in Mount Carroll, a 10:15 a.m. appearance at the Whiteside County Courthouse in Morrison and a noon event at Geneseo City Park.

At 2 p.m. Mr. Morthland will host a press conference at Rock Island County Republican Headquarters on 5th Avenue. in Moline, followed by a rally at 5 p.m. at the Stoney Creek Inn in downtown Moline.

“Voters from the 71st District and anyone else who desires better government for Illinois should definitely attend the announcement at Stoney Creek Inn,” said Susie Carpentier, chairman of the Rock Island County Republican Party.

Other elected officials and candidates are scheduled to attend or speak, including Republican U.S. Congressional candidate Bobby Schilling.

For more information, call the Committee to Elect Rich Morthland at (309) 654-2229.