DeKalb Times

Despite Illinois’ status as having the worst tax burden in the country and its rising outmigration, state Rep. Jeff Keicher (R-Sycamore) has not lost hope on the economic outlook.

“I often get asked why I am optimistic about the future of Illinois and our area in particular,” the District 70 incumbent said in a Facebook post. “I see and talk with job creators who want to be here.”

Keicher cited an article on Northern Public Radio’s website lauding the city of Rochelle’s economic growth, which has been driven by access to rail transportation.

Former state Rep. Robert Pritchard

“Kudos to our neighbors to the west,” Keicher said in the social media post. “It’s things like the forward looking plans (the city of) Rochelle put in place many years ago that continue to bear fruit and ideas that benefit us all.”

Keicher was appointed to the 70th District seat in July when Robert W. Pritchard resigned. In November’s general election, Keicher will face Democrat Paul Stoddard and John Eldon Mathey, a Libertarian. 

A native son of Illinois, Keicher traces his family's Illinois roots back more than a century. He graduated from Northern Illinois University and has served as a State Farm Insurance agent since 2006.

The 70th House District includes parts or all of Boone and Kane counties, including Sycamore, Dekalb and Campton Hills.