State Treasurer Michael Frerichs of Champaign will have competition in his bid for a third term this year. State Rep. Tom Demmer, R-Dixon, announced Tuesday that he will run for Frerichs’ post, pledging to oppose tax increases and bring greater transparency to state spending. “Unfortunately, in Springfield right now, the politicians’ answer to every problem is higher taxes and more spending,” Demmer said in a statement. “We know Springfield politicians won’t change overnight, but we can take an important first step by electing a proven fiscal watchdog as state treasurer. As treasurer, I’ll be on the side of Illinois families working to protect their hard-earned dollars and shining a light on how our tax dollars are spent.” Demmer, 35, has served as state representative since 2013, representing a district comprised of portions of DeKalb, LaSalle, Lee and Ogle counties in northern Illinois. Demmer serves as deputy minority leader and has been the Republicans’ point person on state fiscal issues. Frerichs countered with a statement welcoming Demmer to the race and warning voters that Demmer would undo years of progress and represent big-business interests. 94.1 WGFA