If IL-18 opens up, the Dems top candidate is listed:
Sources say Peoria County State’s Attorney Kevin Lyons has Hastert’s office nervous. Lyons is a well-known, well-spoken area figure and widely considered the Democrats’ best shot at undoing an 80-year Republican lock on the seat.
The Gore-Bush numbers in 2000 were 43-54 and I’m guessing that hasn’t changed much, or a slight drift towards Republicans—we’ll have to wait for the 2004 numbers later this summer unless anyone has them handy. It’ll be a tough race for any Democrat, though a strong moderate with labor credentials could make a race of it. .
On the Republican side, Bomke would be formidable, though the article points out that Bomke may raise regional issues for many being from the Springfield area.
I would rate LaHood as one of the two potential frontrunners in the Republican primary. One interesting issue raised in the article is that Hastert is pushing LaHood to stay put to avoid another open seat.
UPDATE: Fixed Bomke’s name.
For the record, it’s Bomke, a state senator from Springfield. Well liked in this area, some name recognition to the north, he would be formidable, especially in such a GOP-dominated district.
Bomke doesn’t seem to be interested in a run. What about David Leitch? You’re right about Lyons’ being formidable. He is an erstwhile head of the Illinois State’s Attorney’s Ass’n.
I would love to see how Leitch would address the issue of having his intended (Linda Daley) on the State payroll as his secretary.