From a press release:

Peoria Chamber Backs LaHood for State’s Attorney
Economic development, home sales, quality of life all tied to sprawling crime problem

Peoria, IL – The Peoria Chamber of Commerce is the latest organization to announce public support for Darin LaHood in the Peoria County State’s Attorney race. This news came after a live-broadcast debate the business group hosted for LaHood and his opponent, an incumbent State’s Attorney of 20 years.

“Addressing crime in Peoria is the number one issue in this race. I have put forth a 5-point plan to combat this problem while my opponent has indicated his office would only offer more of the same,” explained Peoria County State’s Attorney candidate Darin LaHood during a live debate Wednesday morning at the Heartland Partnership office. “Every police organization – including six unions – has endorsed my candidacy along with eight members of the City Council and numerous community leaders. People understand that we need a new approach to fighting crime.”

Immediately following a spirited debate between the two contenders for the State’s Attorney’s office, the Peoria Chamber of Commerce announced that they, too, were behind LaHood in this race, calling for change in the top prosecutor’s office.

“The endorsement from the Chamber means a great deal to my campaign,” said LaHood. “I am thankful for all of my supporters – who may not always agree with one another on all the issues – but do agree that we need a change. The Peoria Chamber has flourished in the last ten years and understands that even better days are ahead if we can effectively combat crime. “I’ll restate it. As State’s Attorney, I will work with all citizens of Peoria and collaborate with groups and leaders from all sectors to make Peoria a safe place for our families.”

Before Chamber members present for the debate, LaHood discussed how the business community can continue to grow, greater economic development can take place, the City of Peoria can become the destination for home buyers in the area rather than more suburban developments and an overall quality of life can be achieved if crime is effectively addressed. That, said LaHood, has to be a priority of the County’s top prosecutor, something that has been lacking in the office for the last 20 years.

Forty-year old Darin LaHood presently practices law with the Peoria firm of Miller, Hall, & Triggs. Prior to that, he served as Chief Terrorism and Federal Prosecutor for four years with the U.S. Department of Justice in Las Vegas, Nevada. LaHood gained experience as a county prosecutor during the years he spent as an Assistant State’s Attorney in both Tazewell and Cook counties. LaHood and his wife, Kristen, are both Peoria natives and are raising three children. They are active in numerous Peoria charitable and civic organizations, and are members of St. Vincent de Paul Church. To learn more about Darin, volunteer opportunities, or to contribute to the campaign, visit Darin’s website.

Update: The LaHood campaign issued this correction to their earlier press release:

Previous release from October 1 was in error when referring to the Peoria Area Chamber Political Action Committee as the Peoria Area Chamber of Commerce. We apologize for the inconvenience and any misunderstanding the oversight may have cause.