Sen. Matt Murphy

Sen. Dan Cronin

Mayor Ron Sandack has formally endorsed Matt Murphy for lieutenant governor, according to a press release from the Murphy camp.

Sandack was the only mayor among a dozen state senators and representatives to endorse Murphy, who is unofficially running with gubernatorial candidate Andy McKenna. Sandy Pihos, (R-42) of Glen Ellyn also endorsed Murphy.

“Matt Murphy is a friend,” Sandack said in an e-mail to the DGreport.

“He and I go back prior to either of us getting into public service and I know him to be an honest and smart person. Because he’s a friend, is totally capable of serving, and is the only candidate for Lt. Governor I know, I support his candidacy.”

Murphy, of Palentine, serves the 27th Senate district, which includes Arlington Heights, Buffalo Grove, Inverness, Palatine, Prospect Heights, and South Barrington. He had originally announced for governor before joining McKenna, the former head of the state GOP. The partnership is informal, as the state no longer allows official governor-lieutenant governor slates.

Sandack is also supporting State Sen. Dan Cronin (R-21) in his bid for DuPage County Board Chairman.  “In my opinion, he’s clearly the best candidate to lead the County Board,” Sandack said in his e-mail. ” I believe Dan Cronin has done a terrific job as State Senator representing a portion of Downers Grove over the years.”

Sandack said he isn’t contemplating a wider role in Illinois politics beyond those two endorsements.