Lauren Turelli of Lake Forest ended her campaign for the Illinois General Assembly today to replace the retiring state Rep. Karen May (D-Highland Park), according to a story in the Lake Forester.

Turelli emerged as the Republican candidate to face Democrat Scott Drury of Highwood after defeating Mark Neerhof in the March 20 primary. Turelli lost to May two years ago with 43 percent of the vote.

“I’ve had great numbers and a lot of support,” Turelli said in the Lake Forester story. “Things were just getting off the ground. There’s just a lot going on in my family and related business that require my attention.”

Lake County Republican Chairman Robert Cook said Neerhof is a contender for the nomination, according to the Lake Forester article. Cook will choose the candidate in conjunction with New Trier Township Comitteeman Bill Cadigan and Northfield Township Committeewoman Jill Brickman, according to Moraine Township Republican Chairman Lou Atsaves of Lake Forest.

According to Atsaves, 85 percent of the 58th District is in Lake County to give Cook the majority of the weighted vote. Cook has scheduled a meeting Saturday with Atsaves and the other township chairs to discuss a potential successor.