John Morris will be ‘present’ for Congressional Race

Although he often took positions as a member of the Peoria City Council that I opposed, I always liked John Morris and enjoyed chatting with him. He is almost constantly upbeat and cheerful. When the roll was called at the start of meetings, he always answered “present” instead of “here.” As often as not, Morris wasn’t in his seat at the start of meetings, but in the audience shaking hands with someone.

And he’s announced he is going to run for Congress.

I think the guy is going to be a formidable opponent for anyone who runs. He certainly knows campaigning, and I’m sure he has a better grasp of the issues facing cities than will most of his opponents. He knows a thing or two about fundraising. Like Aaron Schock, Morris has a bit of boyishness about him, but unlike Schock, he doesn’t come across as perhaps trying to rise up the ranks a bit too fast.

However, we’ll see if he’s willing to play as rough behind the scenes as his opponents.

Update: The Journal Star has posted a second-day story on who is, who isn’t and who is mulling over a run. I have to hand it to Morris, he’s not being wishy-washy about his plans.