Sangamon Sun

Come Nov. 6, the District 99 seat of the Illinois House of Representatives will either remain in Republican control or become a Democrat district for the first time in four years.

Mike Murphy, who ran unopposed in the primary last month, will have to rely on momentum from predecessor Sara Wojcicki Jimenez, a Republican who is not seeking re-election, and count on the GOP spin against the serious tax issues facing the state.

Before the urge to become a politician struck Murphy, he owned and operated a restaurant, Charlie Parker’s Diner, since sold when he sought elected office. According to his campaign website, Murphy has served on the Sangamon County Citizens Efficiency Commission, serving as chair and vice chair during six years of involvement. For over a decade, he led Divernon Sports Boosters and was active as a youth sports coach, according to his website.

Mike Murphy, Republican Illinois House candidate for District 99 | Facebook

In order to keep District 99 red for three straight terms, Murphy will have to defeat Democrat Marc Bell.

The State Journal-Register lists Bell as a retired master sergeant with the Illinois State Police. During an interview in September, Bell told the Journal-Register he supported a controversial budget that levied a 32 percent income tax increase on Illinois citizens.

Jimenez (R-Leland Grove) voted against the budget, the story said.

Murphy’s campaign website said the candidate wants to use his business background and “common sense thinking” to help the state recover from its budget and tax woes.