Unfortunately, this thing got big enough that Jack! will probably leave the ticket. Some counter views in comments and that would be great for Democrats all over the ballot, but I’m guessing not. With Dillard and others shooting for him, Jack! is going to quickly figure out, not only is the establishment out to get him, but the establishment has the ties to the GOTV operation.

Who will the Republicans choose to replace him? Here is a list of potentials with some brief thoughts

Edgar—he won’t get in unless the national promises money. The NRSC probably won’t.

Topinka—looking for 2006

Jim Thompson–just kind of doubt it–see Edgar as well

Wood–LOL–Social Conservatives for Obama

Gidwitz—yeah, sure. Placeholder.

Rauschenberger–Doubt he’d take it. It’s a fools errand for most and he’s not a fool. Says nice things about it, but many ways to avoid that behind the scenes.

Jim Ryan–LOL–ummm…already did his service for a losing cause

Any of the Congressional Delegation? Nope–have to give up the seat and no one wants to take on Obama without more preparation.

Oberweis–Only in my dreams. Apparently the Prez hates him according to McCulloch. Can’t blame him.

McKenna–will ignite a civil war between social conservatives and social conservatives—LaHood’s guy after all and LaHood is not popular with social conservatives right now.

Peter Fitzgerald—over the Speaker’s dead body

It doesn’t look good. The GOP doesn’t care if the candidate wins–it wants to avoid a disaster down ballot. I’m not sure Oberweis or Gidwitz can avoid that sort of disaster–Gidwitz isn’t a bad guy, just a nobody to the public.

Topinka/Edgar/Thompson/Wood may actually have fewer full blown conservatives show up as well given the right wings’ anger at the party.

It’s going to make for a fun retreat over the weekend for the GOP.

3 thoughts on “Replacement Watch”
  1. Now that it appears that Jack! is “exploring an exit strategy”, the question arises:

    “Who will the GOP replace Ryan with on the ballot?”

    Our host has examined many of the potential candidates, but he overlooked the best — dare I say — obvious choice for the Republicans.

    The GOP’s ideal candidate to run against Barack Obama will have to possess certain qualities:

    1. He will need to have a history as a legislator to match up with Obama’s stellar career as a lawmaker;

    2. He will need to be willing to enter a race where he has almost no chance of winning;

    3. He will need to have that special “something” that allows him to win a race where he is the clear underdog…

    Fortunately for the Illinois Republicans, such a man does exist:

    http://austinmayor.blogspot.com/2004_06_01_austinmayor_archive.html#108810904653365381

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