( 25News Now ) - A Quad Cities area woman active in small town politics has announced her candidacy next year for the Illinois House seat now held by State Rep. Ryan Spain (R-Peoria).

Nicole Dopler from Rapids City, Illinois sent out a release Tuesday announcing she’s running as a Democrat for representative of the 73rd District that includes several Central Illinois counties, including parts of Peoria and Woodford.

Dopler said she comes from a union family, is a stay-at-home mother to her five children, and works as an administrator in the medical field.

Her release said Dopler is a firm believer in negotiating fair wages and protecting benefits.

She said she became involved in small town government to address high utility costs, and as a state lawmaker, she wants to protect healthc

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