SPRINGFIELD -- Pointing to the way the Democrats are running things in Springfield, Republican David McAloon said he sees now as a good time to announce his bid for the state Legislature.

McAloon, of Bourbonnais, wants to challenge Rep. Careen Gordon, D-Morris, for the 75th District seat, which covers all or parts of Grundy, Will, Kankakee, La Salle, Iroquois and Livingston counties.

But he will have to win the Republican nomination first. So far, he is the only Republican in the field.

The self-described Ronald Reagan conservative ran unsuccessfully for the nomination in 2006.

McAloon thinks he's in a much better position now.

"People are definitely looking for more responsible leadership in Springfield," he said.

The 42-year-old father of two is a graduate of Illinois State University and is the television producer for Family Harvest Church in Tinley Park.

McAloon, who has never held political office but has served as chairman of Values In Religion to Unite Everyone Political Action Committee, said he believes a state representative needs to be a servant, not a politician.

"For too long, politicians have represented special interest groups and insider interests," he said.

Gordon, who has served in the seat since December 2003, said, "I welcome anyone who wants to challenge me as part of the democratic process."