Democrat Coroner Candidate Endorses GOP's Lauzen for Kane County Board Chair

Under the news category of "man bites dog," the Democratic candidate for Kane County coroner on Monday sent a letter announcing his endorsement of the GOP's Chris Lauzen for County Board chairman.

According to the letter to the editor submitted by Tao Martinez to local media, Martinez had announced his public support and endorsement of Lauzen on Oct. 18 during the Western Township Republican organization meeting in Blackberry Township.

"I have been saying from the beginning of the campaign that there is not a Republican way, or Democrat way, to run the coroner's office. Just the professional way," Martinez' letter says.

"I see Sen. Lauzen as a man with a great background to be chairman of the County Board. He has 20 years of legislative experience. But even more important than that he has many years of accomplishments in business and accounting in the private sector. Voters should look for the most qualified candidate in every race and I believe that Sen. Lauzen is the best person for the job," Martinez said.

Lauzen is running against Democratic candidate Sue Klinkhamer, the former mayor of St. Charles.

"Mrs. Klinkhamer is a nice lady, and I mean no disrespect for her or her background. I just see the combined public and private sector experience of her opponent as a better option," Martinez concluded.

Martinez is facing Republican Robert "Bob" Russell for county coroner in the Nov. 6 General Election.

Martinez's letter said he was "interrupted multiple times" when he made the endorsement at the Republican organization meeting, by Francisco Carrera, the husband of the current chief deputy coroner, Loren Carrera, and that Russell also joined "in the rude attack."

"This is why I publicly asked Mr. Russell to keep politics out of the office and not campaign with office employees. Mr. Carrera was caught ripping out my yard signage from a private residence last month and installing Russell signs. This type of offensive and bullying behavior has to stop. It is shameful and disrespectful," Martinez stated.

"If I am elected, the politics in this office will end and Mr. Russell, who already failed to win races for sheriff and Elgin Community College trustee, can seek another office to fulfill his ambitions, whatever ambitions those really are," Martinez said.

In a brief telephone interview, Martinez said he had not contacted Lauzen directly about the endorsement, but he had seen Lauzen's wife, Sarah, at the GOP meeting in which he made the announcement, "and it was a surprise to her, too."

"Let's face it, it comes down to credentials. I am running as a Democrat and I do share the democratic beliefs, but I’m hoping—through the very little I’ve gotten to know him—he’s going to be able to do what needs to be done for our county. He’s got the expertise and the background in accounting," Martinez said.