As local parties gear up for the fall campaign season, Sangamon County Democrats are hoping to use state and national politics -- specifically, Gov. Bruce Rauner and President Donald Trump -- to motivate their supporters in the coming months.

 

In Sangamon County, which has historically been a Republican stronghold, GOP leaders say those same forces work in their favor, because of support for both men. And when it comes to several measures, such as fundraising and office holders, the Republicans still hold the edge.

 

That played out recently, for instance, when Democrats were unable to find a candidate for a key central Illinois legislative race.

 

In the 50th Senate District, Republican Steve McClure of Springfield is the only candidate on the Nov. 6 ballot. McClure was endorsed by the Sangamon County GOP before incumbent Sen. Sam McCann, R-Plainview, said he would not seek re-election. He is now a Conservative Party candidate for governor.

 

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