Politics: Novak calls 18th race ‘a near tossup’ thanks to Versace

September 26, 2007 in Statehouse & Capitol

The conventional wisdom has been that whoever captures the Republican nomination will be the next U.S. Congressman from Illinois’ 18th District. But Robert Novak and Timothy P. Carney say that isn’t the case, according to the article I found on the conservative site, Human Events:

Illinois-18: The entrance of former basketball coach Dick Versace (D) brings to a near tossup the race for the Peoria-based seat left open by the retirement Rep. Ray LaHood (R).

[snip]

Versace’s wide name recognition combines with a likely strong Democratic year in Illinois to wipe out the generic advantage a Republican has in this district, which Bush won by 5.5 points in 2004 and which has been in Republican hands for 70 years (including former Minority Leader Bob Michel). Versace has media experience, but as a political rookie, possibly facing more seasoned (although much younger) opponents, he faces many likely pitfalls. This one could swing the other way if Versace proves to be a strong candidate, but right now it is still tilting towards the Republicans. Leaning Republican Retention.

I would not have thought Versace would be considered that serious a threat to GOP domination of the district. Versace certainly does have media experience and he is a well-known name. But as I recall, he didn’t exactly leave Bradley on the best of terms in 1986, which is was a loooong time ago.

What Versace will absolutely bring to the race is a ton of national attention.

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3 Responses to “Politics: Novak calls 18th race ‘a near tossup’ thanks to Versace”

Paul Wilkinson Says:
September 26th, 2007 at 6:24 pm
ha ha ha ha ha ha ha … stop it, stop, it… I can’t breathe….I may even wet myself…..

wow, I needed that, it’s been a stressfull couple of weeks…..

thanks billy.
prego man Says:
September 27th, 2007 at 8:01 am
I don’t see any way in God’s creation that Dick is going to lure Republican and/or conservative Democrats over to his side of the fence. In fact, if it does turn into a Schock/Versace or even a Morris/Versace race, I don’t think Dick will get any more than 40% of the vote. AT BEST. If this is the best the Democrats can do, the race is over without question.
Brian G Says:
September 27th, 2007 at 12:36 pm
Democratic ineptitude, not Republican dominance, is the reason for nearly a century of G.O.P. rule in the Eighteenth District. Whenever there have been a viable choice, the race has been close. When the Democrats nominate a sacrificial lamb, they rightfully get stomped.

Also, there have been many Democratic victories in so called “Red” districts. Check out Montana, Virginia, etc. Quite frankly Bill Edley’s politics are the roadmap. Also Lane Evans etc. Secondly, the Eighteenth isn’t as conservative as 70 years of Democratic ineptitude makes it sound. Senators Obama, Durbin, and the late Paul Simon have done rather well in the counties of the Eighteenth.

Don’t discount Versace because of his celebrity, otherwise the G.O.P. wouldn’t have had Reagan, Schwarchenegger, Fred Thompson, or Gopher from the Love Boat.