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Senate win likely would end Fowler mayorship

Harrisburg Mayor Dale Fowler says he's unlikely to keep that post if elected to the Illinois Senate in November.

Fowler, a Republican, is running against Democratic state Sen. Gary Forby of Benton in one of the most hotly contested races for a seat in the Illinois Capitol.

He said Wednesday he hasn't thought much yet what he'd do about his mayor job if elected. But he said he doesn't foresee doing both.

"I don't really feel like it's appropriate for anyone to hold two offices," Fowler said.

"I would want to dedicate my resources to the whole 59th District," he said.

That district encompasses a wide swath of southern Illinois, from the state border in the east to the edges of most of Franklin and Williamson counties in the west.

Forby has been an Illinois senator since 2003 and served in the House for two years before that, surviving tough re-election challenges before.

Fowler was first appointed mayor in 2014 after the death of former Mayor Ron Crank. His term lasts through 2019.

He said he hasn't yet thought about the replacement process if he was to win, either.

"You've got to get there first," Fowler said.