The Candidate: Andy Manar
The Race: Democratic Candidate for the 48th Legislative District
The Competition: Mike McElroy
The Buzz: Andy Manar is running for a first term in the general assembly. Priorities for him include more efficient use of government money and ensuring downstate residents have a voice in government at the state level.
"State government needs to make the same investments downstate that it makes in Chicago," he said in a campaign video. A part of that representation, Manar notes on his website, included his previous job as chief of staff for Illinois Senate President John Cullerton.
Manar also notes on his website his ability for cutting government spending, citing a 2011 vote in Macoupin County to cut the size of the county's board, saving $40,000 a year.