Morthland Makes Carroll County First Stop On Campaign Trail For 71st District

By Tom Kocal

Rich Morthland, Republican Member of the Rock Island County Board, announced his candidacy for State Representative in the 71st District of the Illinois General Assembly, throughout the District, on Monday, October 12. Representative Mike Boland, who currently holds the seat, will not seek reelection.

Morthland is a farmer and college professor from rural Cordova. He is a graduate of St. Ambrose University and is close to completing his second Masters degree. The 71st State Representative District covers Northwestern Illinois, including Rock Island County upriver of I-74 and the western halves of Henry, Whiteside, and Carroll Counties.

Morthland, currently Republican member of the Rock Island County Board, travelled throughout the 71st State Legislative District on Monday, laying out his vision for the state of Illinois and requesting input from the District's constituents.

Morthland is the first Rock Island County office-holding Republican to seek this office in many years. With the prevailing "Throw the bums out," "We need new blood" attitude in Illinois, this has the makings of a race to watch, according to political analyst Russ Stewart, who said "Republicans have recruited Rock Island County Board member Rich Morthland. The outlook: With Boland gone, a Republican pickup."

First on his agenda was a stop at the Carroll County Courthouse in Mount Carroll. The candidate was welcomed by Carroll County Republican Central Committee Chairman Lawrence Bruckner, Thomson, then introduced to the audience by Morthland's Carroll County campaign coordinator Venita McConnel of Mt. Carroll.

"We have a full day of activities so that we can make contact with as many friends and fellow citizens as possible," Morthland told the crowd from the Courthouse steps. "We are working to make Illinois great again and that process begins today, Columbus Day.

"Illinois faces very difficult times, caused largely by its own state government," said Morthland. "However, I believe our best days will be ahead if we elect honest, hard-working servants of the people who will put community above self. It's time that we have a fresh perspective in Springfield. I want to work alongside our District's constituents to make Illinois great again!"

Morthland believes strongly in a more balanced two-party government for Illinois. He recognizes that the primary function of government is to provide essential services for the citizens. He is also committed to fiscal responsibility on the part of government, and minimal taxation. As the only Republican on the Rock Island County Board, Morthland works with members of both parties. "If elected, I will represent the interests of the 71st District and all citizens of Illinois. And I will never make a promise that I can't keep."

In Mt. Carroll, former Rock Island County Republican Chairman Tom Getz was pleased to hear that Morthland was running. "It's great to have a candidate of Rick's caliber step up and run for the 71st District seat."

After his initial visit in Carroll County, Morthland made an appearance at the Whiteside County Courthouse in Morrison, visited with people at the Geneseo City Park, had a press conference at Rock Island County Republican Headquarters in Moline, and concluded his announcement day at a final rally at Moline's Stoney Creek Inn and Conference Center.

For the past several months, Morthland has been circulating nomination petitions for the 2010 Primary Election on February 2.

To contact the campaign, visit www.electmorthland.com or call the Committee to Elect Rich Morthland at 309-654-2229.

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