Peter Roskam:
Republicans have rallied around Illinois state Sen. Peter Roskam (R) in their effort to hold onto the seat of retiring Rep. Henry Hyde (R), which is considered politically competitive. Well-spoken and likable, Roskam sounds like a well-versed, mainstream conservative who fits this district well.
Roskam worked on Capitol Hill years ago for both Hyde and Rep. Tom DeLay (R-Texas), so he understands Congress and Congressional campaigns. He?s one of those rare politicians who one minute sounds like a policy wonk and then next talks like a strategist and campaign consultant. I found him refreshing for his candor and insight.
Dan Seals
Democrat Dan Seals is running against Rep. Mark Kirk (R) in Illinois and has little or no chance of winning. But if state and national Democrats have any sense, they?ll find a way to use the African-American businessman?s obvious skills and appeal. A graduate of Boston University, he holds a master?s degree from the Johns Hopkins School of Advanced International Studies and an MBA from the University of Chicago. He currently works for GE Commercial Finance.
Seals may well have a tough time, but he can use his first race to build up a reputation and he is in place in case there is a complete meltdown.
Roskam, many will huff and puff about and let me say straight up, beating Roskam is important to me, very important, but don’t confuse that with thinking he easy to demonize as a right wing zealot. In person, he’s mild, calm, and somewhat likeable. I can’t stand his speaking style personally, but it is very easy going and very, very attractive to many voters. He is very conservative, but he’s also a very good candidate.
ArchPundit