Republican Bruckner Challenges Democrat Boland for the 71st District House

The race is on. Thomson Republican Lawrence Bruckner filed paperwork in Springfield April 7 to take on 13-year incumbent State Representative Mike Boland.

"I think it is important that the voters in the 71st District have a choice in November. They can vote for a person with a business background who represents a change in Springfield, or a long-time incumbent," Bruckner said.

Incumbent Boland faced a bruising primary in February, and many Democrats and Independents have encouraged Bruckner to run. In fact, a "Democrats for Bruckner" group has formed, headed by Carroll County Board member Kurt Dreger of Savanna.

"Lawrence Bruckner is very dedicated to our community. Two years ago, Mr. Boland made promises to the people and communities of the 71st District that have not been kept," Dreger said.

Republican Steve Haring ran a close race for the district in 2006, earning 48% of the vote. This year Haring is supporting Bruckner for Representative.

Bruckner, 57, an attorney since 1974, owns the Thomson House Cafe and manages his family's 390 acre farm. A long time Republican and community activist, Bruckner is Vice-Chairman of the Carroll County Republican Party, member of the Carroll County Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy (CEDS), and Past President of the

Thomson Melon Days Festival, as well as other civic involvements.

Bruckner earned a BA in History, and MA in Political Science, from Trinity College, and a Juris Doctorate Degree from the College of William and Mary. Bruckner is a former JAG officer with the US Army, and a graduate of the Army's Command and General Staff College. He also served in the Army reserves for 14 years. Married to Luanne for 26 years, the couple have four children.

The campaign can be contacted at 815-259-3168 or via e-mail at Bruck175@hotmail.com.

A web site and the announcement of a campaign team is coming later this month.

Comment on this story

Go back to Prairie Advocate Home Page