I’m glad to hear it. Lane has served admirably, but it was clear this winter that he was going to have a hard time keeping up as a Congressman. It’s far better to leave on your own terms. I hope this will also give him time to enjoy himself and his family.
It is odd timing given the primary just passed, but obviously this is a far different situation than Lipinski–in this case it appears that Evans is dropping out after actually hoping to run again. Democrats will be able to appoint a candidate in his place.
There will be a scramble given the weird nature of the District and the areas it covers all along the Western border of Illinois and how it takes in Decatur and Springfield.
The District leans Democratic at about 53% so it leans Democratic, but it is competitive.
Via Rich