Independent businessman Mark Kleine has announced that he is running to represent the Illinois 17th Congressional District. Kleine is the former owner of Kleine Equipment, which operated a location in Aledo. The Galesburg businessman sold his John Deere dealerships to Martin-Sullivan two years ago. Kleine, if he wins the Republican nomination in March, would face Democratic incumbent Cheri Bustos in the 2018 general election on November 6. Kleine Equipment donated $100,000 to the George Pratt Memorial Football Field and Track renovation project. In 2013 Kleine formed Kleine Companies, a development company focused on residential housing and revitalization of downtown Galesburg.
