The PJS is reporting that Dick Versace is dropping out of the 18th District congressional race.
Since is long past the filing deadline, someone will likley be appointed to replace him. I’m away from any resource material, and I’m recalling that the county Democratic Party chairs in the 18th will have the job of picking a replacement (if I’m wrong, I’m sure to be corrected).
This is actually good news for the Dems, since Versace wasn’t exactly running a top notch campaign. I’m thinking that a room full of local politicians MIGHT be able to cherry pick a decent candidate.
UPDATE: Rich Miller is gathering some linkage.
UPDATE 2: I recall former State Rep. Bill Edley stating quite clearly he was interested in running, as long as there is no primary battle to suck up resources. He thinks the district is winnable. Maybe he’s still interested.
Others discussed inthe past include Springfield Mayor Tom Davlin, Peoria attorney Patricia Benassi and State Sen. John Sullivan. Peoria County State’s Attorney Kevin Lyons’ name was mentioned once or twice, and he’s facing re-election foe in Darin LaHood.
UPDATE 3: From CQ Politics:
Illinois law allows for Democratic officials in the 18th District to fill the November 2008 ballot vacancy with a new candidate after the February 5 primary election, though national and state Democratic operatives will immediately begin candidate recruitment efforts. Illinois Democratic Reps. Phil Hare in 2006 and Dan Lipinski in 2004 were nominated by party officials after the incumbents announced their retirements after the primary election; both Hare and Lipinski were subsequently elected in the November general election.
Tags: 18th District, Versace
Billy Dennis is a former reporter and editor at small daily and weekly newspapers in Illinois and Missouri. He comments on media, news and politics. He also owns and operates 
Dude, LaHood isn’t even running again, and we still can’t pay anyone to run for this seat! I was totally excited about Patricia Benassi and Rick Grawey, and they couldn’t run. Or was Versace “a beard” and now the local Dems will more easily slide a controversial candidate into the slot? I haven’t heard anything, just wondering if the seat is has some kind of curse like the Superman one, and no one’s telling?
Hello Sen. George Shadid?
I’d love it if Edley ran; that would be one candidate I’d be willing to invest a good deal of time and energy for.
Why not an African American female like Jehan Gordon? She must be electable and already has a website up for the House race. She can get money from the Gov, the black caucus and even Nancy Pelosi. Also she has the support of several democratic commitee men like Bill Halstead. If she runs against Schock, the race will be very interesting in November!
How about Elaine Hopkins? Now THAT would be fun.
Elaine, stop stealing other people’s screen names.
[...] local Democratic candidate (state House) has launched her campaign website and our local Democratic candidate for the US. House seat (Ray LaHood’s current seat) has dropped …. Frankly, I am glad that Versace has dropped out; his campaign wasn’t exactly full of energy. [...]
Dick Versace had no need to run an “energetic campaign” at this time, he had no opposition; you would have seen a fireballer in the general election tho, had he been able to continue on. Too bad, he would be a great representative in Congress. Good luck Dick!
[...] State Rep. Bill Edley (D-95, Macomb) a few moments ago. He was just as shocked as everyone else by Dick Versace’s decision to drop out of the race for Congress. In fact, he had sent a campaign donation to Versace’s campaign a week or so [...]
How about Judge James Shadid ! He would make a great Congressmen. I believe that Dick Versace would have won this race. He’s like the dragon..indomitable,with an unconquerable attitude.
Maybe he will reconsider and get make in the race. I hope and pray that he does!, The Good People of Illinois deserve a great replacement for a great man like Mr. Lahood. How do you spell VERSACE?
WINNER!!!
[...] after our not running anyone in the primary, the local Democratic Party drafted Colleen Callahan to run. I was somewhat critical of her for not [...]