Illinois Races: Patrick Hughes for Senator

"New to politics but a veteran taxpayer"

Updated 11:46 AM CST, Tue, Nov 10, 2009

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Hinsdale real estate developer Patrick Hughes is the next Republican candidate vying for the Senate seat formerly held by President Barack Obama. The 40-year-old attorney, who has never run for public office before, will challenge U.S. Rep. Mark Kirk in the February 2010 Republican Primary.

Hughes is currently the Chairman of Sensible Taxpayers Opposed to Increased Taxes. STOP-IT is a committee whose mission is to prevent any increase in the state income tax, cut wasteful spending and lessen the impact of special interests in Springfield. They are responsible for lobbying for fiscal responsibility and restraint in state government. According to his campaign site, "Pat was credited by state party leaders, including House Minority Leader Tom Cross and State Senator Kirk Dillard, with playing a major role in defeating Governor Pat Quinn’s proposed 50% income tax increase on Illinois taxpayers."

He is a pro-life advocate for lower taxes, restrained government spending, a strong national defense policy, less government intervention into health care, alternative energy and a reinforced immigration policy.

Hughes graduated from Marquette University in 1991 and received his J.D. from DePaul University College of Law in 1994. He is a guest lecturer at Northwestern University, speaking on various issues regarding the creation and implementation of state and federal law.