Republicans on this year’s Host Committee for Rep. Jack Franks’ fundraiser.

One can only conclude that the McHenry County Combine, consisting of insider Republicans and Democrats is alive and well.

For years, State Rep. Jack Franks and Sheriff Keith Nyrgen have had a mutual admiration society.

Nygren has been on Franks’ fundraising “Host Committee” for years.

This year, Nygren’s choice to succeed himself, Andy Zinke, was also on the Host Committee.

Now, goaded by commenter “The Oncoming Storm,” I’ve taken another look at large contributions reported by Zinke since October 1st.

I see $1,600 from Robin F. Pendergrast Photography, Inc., for media production on Dec. 13th.

There’s another $1,000 from the Foglia family, this time from son Vinnie.  (Previously, his father and mother contributed $5,000 apiece).

But the most interesting is from State Rep. Jack Franks’ law firm:

Democratic Party Jack Franks’ law firm gave $1,000 to Republican candidate for Sheriff Andy Zinke.

Jack’s father Herb is a prominent local Democrat.

There’s also another $1,000 from Keith C. Wagner, President of McHenry’s Fabrik Molded Plastics.

Bill Prim, Zinke’s opponent in the March Republican primary election, reported no new contributions over $1,000 during the quarter that started October 1st.

As of the end of September, Zinke had $14,000 more on hand than Prim.