Committee forms to re-elect Spencer

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MORRISON - A committee has formed to help keep longtime Republican Whiteside County State's Attorney Gary Spencer in office. The committee so far comprises 24 former and current county, city and law enforcement officials and local business owners. "I'm very gratified that people of their caliber have joined the committee," Spencer said Tuesday. "It shows they have faith in the work I've done as a prosecutor and are confident that I have done a good job." Spencer, 59, has been state's attorney 27 years. In November, he faces Democratic write-in challengers Amy Huffman, 33, a Lee County assistant state's attorney and one of his former interns, and Elwin Neal, 61, a private defense lawyer and Whiteside County public defender. Neal and Huffman became candidates in July amid public criticism of Spencer, who would not discuss his handling of five local homicides linked to longtime local criminal Nicholas T. Sheley, 29, of Sterling. Some of the criticism also stemmed from the fact that Sheley was free on a recognizance bond for an alleged home invasion when the homicides were committed. "Citizens for Spencer" Chairman B.J. Wolf said the group, which formed in mid-September, will help coordinate Spencer's re-election campaign, which will include advertising and fundraising. The goal was to gather a group of well-known, well-respected community members, said Wolf, a former Rock Falls High School District superintendent. Many of the committee members have worked with Spencer over the years and consider him a fair, aggressive prosecutor, Wolf said. "Gary has done a remarkable job keeping the people in Whiteside County safe and secure for more than a quarter of a century," he said. "We'd certainly like to see him continue to offer that kind of protection in the county." Former Whiteside County Administrator Mike Zurn, the group's treasurer, echoed the sentiment. "I think Gary is a competent attorney with an effective track record," Zurn said. "From my perspective, the group didn't form because of any particular case - we formed because he is facing opposition." Huffman said Tuesday that she is aware of the new committee, but does not plan to change her campaign strategy. She, too, has a committee of Whiteside County residents who help raise funds, install yard signs and create campaign ads. "This has definitely been a grassroots effort," Huffman said. "This campaign is about the people. I will be answering to the citizens of this county and wanted my committee to be made up of those citizens." Neal also said Spencer's new committee won't affect his campaign. In July, both Neal and Huffman asked the Whiteside County Democratic Committee to back their campaigns. The committee chose Huffman. Because he did not get party support, Neal said he has relied on friends and family to help with is campaign. "Obviously, I am a novice at this," Neal said Tuesday. "I've been knocking on doors, passing out fliers and talking to people. This is the approach that I've chosen with what I have." For more information or to volunteer for the Citizens for Gary Spencer re-election committee, call Chairman B.J. Wolf at 815-626-8978, or Treasurer Mike Zurn at 815-772-7672. Contact the Citizens for Amy Huffman election committee, e-mail Huffman at amyhuffman@-comcast.net or call 815-631-0292. Visit writeinamyhuffman.com for more information. For more information or to volunteer to help Democratic write-in candidate Elwin Neal, call 815-626-0600. Meet Gary Spencer Citizens for Spencer has scheduled a meet-and-greet 6-8 p.m. Oct. 10 at the Latin American Social Club, 2708 W. Fourth St., Sterling. To learn more: Call committee Chairman B.J. Wolf at 815-626-8978, or Treasurer Mike Zurn at 815-772-7672.