Klahn picks up Lee County state's attorney nomination

DIXON – Lee County Assistant State’s Attorney Matthew Klahn is one step closer to becoming the county’s next top prosecutor.

In unofficial results Tuesday, Klahn, 37, captured 3,526 votes, or 60.5 percent.

“I’m just extremely grateful for all of the people supporting me,” he said. “We don’t take anything for granted – you never stop earning it.”

By winning the Republican Party nomination, Klahn is the sole candidate to replace current Lee County State’s Attorney Anna Sacco-Miller, 48, who decided in November not to run after one term.

Bill Brozovich, 51, a Lee County resident and Vermilion County prosecutor, and Michael Downey, 63, a Dixon attorney in private practice, received 900 votes (15.4 percent) and 1,403 votes (24.1 percent), respectively.

“I called Matt and congratulated him,” Brozovich said. “All three candidates took the high road – it was positive campaign.”

Downey was disappointed. “It is what it is,” he said. Both men wished Klahn well.

The only obstacle to Klahn sliding through later this year would be an impromptu Democratic entry.

“We are actively pursuing it,” said Kasey Considine, chairman of the Lee County Democrats, “[but] we’re not aware of any candidates.”

The Democrats certainly would entertain the possibility, he said, but no one has stepped forward.

Considine, who has an established relationship with the county board, said he would support Klahn “if he wasn’t the [party] chairman.”

Klahn has always done a good job, he said.

If elected, among the first changes Klahn wants to make when the term begins Dec. 1 is the installation of a new case management system, which already has been bought.

He is the only remaining assistant state’s attorney in Anna Sacco-Miller’s original administration. Turnover, consistency and continuity are points to address, he has said.

Klahn has been first assistant state’s attorney for more than 3 years, and previously spent more than 5 years in private practice that spanned a variety of areas of expertise, including criminal defense, litigation, family law, and general practice.

He cited an edge during his campaign among the candidates in that he was one of just a few prosecutors in the Sauk Valley with trial experience in cases involving deaths.

“We want to roll up our sleeves and get to work,” Klahn said.