Fritchey to Announce for County Commissioner

Illinois state Rep. John Fritchey (D-11th) is expected to announce that he is running for Cook County Commissioner in the 12th District (Northwest Side), this morning, the seat currently held by Forrest Claypool. Fritchey said last night in a press release that he, Claypool and Rep. Mike Quigley (D-5th) would, "appear together tomorrow to make an important campaign announcement regarding the Feb. 2010 Primary Election."

Fritchey confirmed via email with Chicagoist that he intends to run for Claypool's county board position. Quigley, who defeated Fritchey in the Democratic primary for his current office, is himself up for reelection this spring. Quigley was elected to his 5th District seat in April following a special election triggered by the election of President Obama and the subsequent promotion of Rahm Emanuel to White House chief-of-staff from the Fifth District spot. Claypool is headed for the private sector, though his political ambitions have included the Cook County board presidency in the past.