State Representative Brad Burzynski, R-Sycamore, held two press conferences Tuesday to announce his interest in running for the newly-opened senatorial district seat.

“I want to announce my intentions to run for the 35th senatorial district created by the new map,” Burzynski said.

“I will not circulate petitions yet, nor will I, until the courts finalize the maps created by the republican elections commission,” Burzynski said.

“However, I feel confident that the maps drawn will withstand the scrutiny of the courts,” he said. “I am confident that this district meets the requirements established by the courts.”

Sen. Jack Schaffer, R-Crystal Lake, attended Tuesday’s press conferences to show Republican support of Burzynski.

“We wanted to show the public that the republican members are very happy with (Burzynski), he is a real class guy,” Schaffer said.

“He would be a really valuable addition to the senate, but that is for the 35th district to decide,” he said.

“We (Republicans) are very impressed with Brad’s ability to be a real player, he is very well thought of by Republicans,” Schaffer said.

“Now is the time for interested persons to begin announcing candidacy,” said Sen. Patrick Welch, D-LaSalle-Peru, who is the current senator of the district seat Burzynski will be running for.

“There will be a lot of interest in this seat because there is no incumbent, but I will say there are several Democrats who are interested in this seat,” Welch said.

“So far no Democrats have announced their intentions to run for the seat, but they are looking for supp