Lane Evans to retire

Rep. Lane Evans (D-17th), who hasn’t been able to cast a vote since Feb. 14 and hasn’t been to his office in more than a month, has told party leaders he will soon announce his retirement from Congress very soon, the Chicago Tribune reported today.

He was diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease in 1995, when he realized he couldn’t raise his hand to wave during the Galesburg Labor Day Parade, a huge political event locally.

Lane is very popular among union members and veterans, which helps explain why a liberal kept getting re-elected from a district one would think would tilt toward conservative.

I have nothing but good thoughts right now for Rep. Evans and I hope his condition improves. He was always courteous and helpful to me when I dealt with him during my days as a reporter.

Hat tip to Rich Miller.

UPDATE: Lane made it official. Here is reaction from U.S. Sen. Barack Obama, Gov. Rod Blagojevich, and U.S. Rep John Shimkus (R-19).