A Shabbona farm girl named Christine Johnson has experienced a Cinderella-like story, going all the way to the Illinois State Senate and now back to her roots and old job as DeKalb County Treasurer. She was sworn in again as the county treasurer Monday.

Her journey to Springfield happened quite by accident when the incumbent veteran Sen. Brad Burzynski decided to retire mid-term, leaving the Republicans to name a replacement until the next election in two years. They chose Johnson because of her 17 years of experience as county treasurer and good credentials as a respected and knowledgeable public official.

So she entered the Senate in February 2011 as part of two minority groups – being a Republican and a female. She is proud to point out she has the distinction of being the first Northern Illinois University graduate to represent the Senate district containing her alma mater.