Lake County Gazette

State Sen. Dan McConchie (R-Hawthorn Woods) has publicly endorsed Chris Bos to replace Rep. Nick Sauer (R-Lake Barrington) in the 51st District.

"Chris Bos is a solid reform-minded conservative who will help challenge the status quo in Springfield," McConchie told the Lake County Gazette. "A pastor in our community for 18 years and a father of three, Bos has demonstrated strength of character and a courageous commitment to conservative values. As chairman of the Ela Township Republicans, Chris has consistently worked to advance our republican ideals and grow our party.”

Serving his first term, Sauer recently stepped down after reports surfaced that he posted nude photos of an ex-girlfriend on a fake Instagram account as a ploy to lure men into online conversations.

Sen. Dan McConchie (R-Hawthorn Woods)

Kate Kelly, Sauer’s ex-girlfriend, filed a formal complaint with the Office of the Legislative Inspector General Julie Porter, who is responsible for investigating allegations of misconduct by members of the general assembly.

The Lake County Gazette reported Kelly alleged in the complaint that Sauer used the Instagram account “to catfish other men using my privately shared naked photos. Nick would use this account to direct message men with my photos to engage in graphic conversations of a sexual nature. The men believed they were communicating with me and Nick shared private details of my life.”

Kelly also filed a report with the Chicago Police Department, according to the complaint.

While in the House, Sauer, a member of the House Sexual Discrimination and Harassment Task Force, co-sponsored such measures as House Bill 4134, Ethics Sex Harassment Training; House Bill 4506, Stalking Offenses; and House Bill 5914, School Sexual Assault Abuse.

“The allegations that have come forth against Representative Nick Sauer [sic] are troubling,” House Republican Leader Jim Durkin (R-Western Springs) said in a statement released the same day Sauer announced his resignation. “... We should allow the proper authorities to conduct their investigations.”

Lake County Republican Chairman Mark Shaw will have the final say in naming Sauer’s replacement. That person will then face off against Democrat Mary Edly-Allen and Independent Jay Murphy in November’s general election.