Resignation Of Top State Republican A Happy Surprise For Democrats

Ron Sandack
In this June 30, 2016 file photo, Illinois state Rep. Ron Sandack, R-Downers Grove, speaks to reporters at the state Capitol in Springfield. In a statement Sunday, July 24, 2016, Sandack said he's resigning from the Illinois House, citing "cyber security issues." Seth Perlman / AP File Photo
Ron Sandack
In this June 30, 2016 file photo, Illinois state Rep. Ron Sandack, R-Downers Grove, speaks to reporters at the state Capitol in Springfield. In a statement Sunday, July 24, 2016, Sandack said he's resigning from the Illinois House, citing "cyber security issues." Seth Perlman / AP File Photo

Resignation Of Top State Republican A Happy Surprise For Democrats

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Republican State Representative Ron Sandack unexpected resignation announcement Sunday night has sent shockwaves through Springfield.

Sandack, who represented suburban Downer’s Grove in a traditionally Republican seat, was a top lieutenant of Governor Bruce Rauner.

But for Democrats in Sandack’s district his resignation is a happy surprise. Sandack was up against Democratic Downers Grove Commissioner Greg Hose in the November Election.

“They are going to have to run a 12-month campaign in 3 months,” said Dupage County Democratic Party Chairman Bob Peickert. “We are optimistic that the democrat is going to benefit from this.”

Dupage County GOP Chair Brian Krajewski said he, along with the Will County Party Chair, will select a replacement for Sandack—both for the remainder of his term and to run in the upcoming election.

Krajewski said that process should take about a week. Downers Grove Commissioner Brian Olsen is the current front runner, he said.

In a statement, Sandack cited “cyber security” issues as a reason for his sudden resignation.

As of Monday his Facebook and Twitter profiles had been deleted.