No doubt, you've seen the signs all over town, Sullivan and Koehler. That's because come November, one of these men will be heading to Springfield to represent Illinois' 46 district. Current state Senator Dave Koehler could be heading back to Springfield for another term, or Illinois' 46th might send a freshmen Senator to the capitol if challenger Pat Sullivan wins the race.

Dave Koehler was elected to the Illinois Senate in November 2006. He began serving his term in December of 2006 when incumbent Senator George Shadid retired. Koehler moved to Peoria in 1978 and began a job as a community organizer. He then became manager of Peoria Friendship House, and in 1985, he became the first Executive Director of the Peoria Area Labor Management Council. Then in 1992 he also became President of PALM’s Labor Management Cooperate Health Programs. 

You may have seen Pat Sullivan's smiling face at one of Peoria's favorite downtown restaurants, Kelleher's Irish Pub & Eatery, of which he is a co-owner. Pat has been a Peoria business man for a long time. He began Sullivan Floors in 1972  which later became S & H Floorcovering. He also formed JP Companies in 1988, a development company, and he has bought several buildings in downtown Peoria and developed businesses such as “Le Vieux Carre.” He's been a member and Chairman of the Peoria Traffic Commission, and even served on Peoria’s Washington Street Advisory Committee which helped design Washington Street through the Warehouse District.

Both men will go head to head in this Wednesday's televised debate on News Channel 25, WEEK-TV at 7pm.

You can even ask a question of the candidates by loggin on to the WEEK facebook page at www.facebook.com/news25.