La Grange Leader Backs State Lawmaker Hopeful

LA GRANGE, IL – La Grange Village President Mark Kuchler has endorsed Shantel Franklin, a candidate for state representative, her campaign announced this week.

Franklin is vying to succeed state Rep. La Shawn Ford, a Chicago Democrat, in District 8, which includes La Grange.

Ford, who took office in 2007, is running for the congressional seat long held by the retiring Rep. Danny Davis, a Chicago Democrat.

In the March 17 Democratic primary, Franklin is running against Jill Bush, John Harrell and Latonya Mitts. District 8 is considered Democratic turf.

Franklin also announced endorsements from Hodgkins Village President Ernie Millsap and Countryside Mayor Sean McDermott.

Earlier this month, Kuchler, who ran for state representative in 1998, endorsed Brendan Reilly, a downtown Chicago alderman, for Cook County Board president. He criticized the performance of incumbent Toni Preckwinkle, who is seeking re-election.

Franklin has worked in the state attorney general's office for six years.

In the attorney general's office, Franklin has worked on issues such as consumer protection, public safety, environmental protection and access to services for crime victims, according to her news release.

She is a lifelong resident of Chicago's West Side and calls herself a housing advocate.