Lake County Republican activists chose two political newcomers last weekend to face off this fall against two state representatives.Precinct committee members gathered Sunday at the St. John Township Community Center.
They named Peter N. Karagan, 46, of Munster, to run in the 12th House District, which includes portions of Whiting, East Chicago, Hammond, Highland, Munster and Dyer.
He would run against state Rep. Mara Candelaria Reardon, D-Munster, who is seeking election to a third term in the Indiana House.
Karagan said he has been a small-business owner for a number of years. He currently runs a commercial real estate brokerage in Munster.
The caucus named Craig W. Menninga, 54, of St. John, to run in the 13th House District, which includes most of Merrillville, Hobart and portions of St. John Township and Schererville.
Menninga manages outpatient imaging at Dyer's St. Margaret Mercy Healthcare Centers.
He will oppose state Rep. Chet Dobis, D-Merrillville, who has a 40-year career as a state legislator.
GOP County Chairwoman Kim Krull said both men were motivated by their distaste of "the climate of politics as usual." She said, "Republicans have a lot of ideas to offer, including transparency in government and fiscal responsibility."
She said Jack D. Chazvez plans to run for county treasurer in the fall.
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