Colleen Callahan Burns — whose voice is a staple on local television and radio through her agriculture commentary and reporting — confirmed to me this morning that the Democratic Party is considering her as their candidate for the 18th District seat in Congress.
“I was asked to consider it by people in the district,” she said. “I have consulted with members of my family and decided it was the right thing to do.”
She owns Colleen Callahan Communications, but is better known as a agriculture reporter and commentator on local radio and televisions. Her Website says that for 24 years, she hosted an award-winning daily feature segment on WMBD-TV (Peoria, IL) and WCIA-TV (Champaign, IL).
Agriculture, the economy and Iraq would be the main issues of her campaign if she is in fact chosen by the party chairs of the 20-county 18th District. She declined to go into specifics, saying that at the moment, she’s simply expressed an interest in being the candidate. She referred all questions regarding the time-table on their decision to the chairs. (NOTE: THe decision cannot be made until after the Feb. 5 primary, but must be made before April 7).
I would have to think she would be a formidable opponent. Her communication skills are top notch, and her knowledge of agricultural issues would play very well indeed in the district. Name recognition never hurt anyone running for office either.
UPDATE: Of course, WMBD AM has a story on her throwing her name in the ring.
Two people I’ve discussed Callahan-Burns’ candidacy with think it’s a wonderful idea. They know nothing of her politics (both are life-long Democrats). The gist of it is that they trust her. Why not? She’s only been coming into their homes every day for 25 years, giving them news and information. It’s more than the fact that she’s a familiar face and voice.\
 UPDATE 2: The Pantagraph says she was on vacation in Hawaii when the news broke. A true newsie, she recognized the need to stay in the good graces of the press. So she returned several phone calls. From Hawaii. I wouldn’t call my own mother back if I was on vacation in Hawaii.
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 
I’ve had the chance to be around Colleen in a couple different capacities. (Which I won’t reveal for fear of exposing my secret identity.) She’s a really sharp person all the way around.
Don’t take this the wrong way but frankly, I’m surprised she’s running as a democrat. I always just assumed she was a republican.
What no sacrificial lamb this year? Let’s hope for a real contest for the hearts and minds of the 18th District voters. We might have an election not a coronation this year.
Colleen Callahan is a terrific choice. And she is and always has been a HARD democrat. She comes from a long line of active democrats. However, as a republican myself – I would cross over and vote for her if my top choice for a republican does not win. She is a true blue and a terrific communicator. She has extensive experience in agriculture and agriculture in politics.
Oh, c’mon… you have to be kidding. THIS is the best we can do? She’s just a better looking Dick Versace… a character, at best. She’s showing her age really well, but doesn’t stand a chance in a Republican district. Aaron, you can chalk up your victory by 20% or more… it’s painful to say, but it’s clearly gonna happen.
Listening to Colleen Callahan’s reports in the mornings within the past two years or so at times tipped me off to her Democratic (liberal) leanings. Until then, I assumed she was a Republican as well. I guess it’s possible she’s a Doug Stephens (social conservative) Democrat.
A better looking Dick Versace? 20%? I’ll have what you’re having. My God. Please share whatever it is your taking.
Here’s my analysis. When the Democrats ran a viable candidate. Yes only Doug Stephens counts, they within a few points each time. I believe she can hold the urban voters of Peoria, Tazewell, and Sangamon counties. Due to here being in everyone’s kitchen at noon for the past 25 years or so, there will be a number of moderate Republican women who’ll cross over. She’ll also gain among those dissatisfied with the Iraq war. You know the fringe 70% of the populace. Lastly, her knowledge and authenticity on ag issues will allow her to cut into the Rural Republican majorities. Can you imagine Steve Shearer putting Aaron Schock out into rural cafes and barns? I guarantee you Schock will make three verbal gaffes in front of farmers that will cost him more than his “Taiwan” comment. Also his appearance will cause some good old boys not to vote for him. Bluntly put, he’s short, small and effete.
Whoever floated this idea is doing something that hasn’t been seen in generations in local Democratic circles. This is a smart, smart move. Much better fit that a flamboyant basketball coach from Chicago who ruffled some feathers.
[...] Dennis reveals another possible Democratic candidate to run in the 18th Congressional race. You may not have seen her before, but I’m sure [...]
A commenter over at Capitol Fax says he’s been seeing Schock running “ag ads” in the southern part of the 18th and wondered why. Could this be the reason?
She definitely won’t have a problem with name recognition anywhere within WMBD’s broadcast or cable range.
Campaign Contribution records available at Open Secrets (http://www.opensecrets.org) indicate family contributions to Ray LaHood as recent as the 2006 election cycle. Could this be a potential problem?
Not if democrats want to win the district. I think that would help with appeal to republicans who would cross over. A moderate democrat would do VERY well in this district especially with her name ID and ag appeal.
Bookworm, I think the reason for the Schock ag ads is beacuse outside of Peoria he hardly has the kind of strangle hold some would think against his primary opponents. However, the Peoria area is of course the population center.
“A commenter over at Capitol Fax says he’s been seeing Schock running “ag ads†in the southern part of the 18th and wondered why. Could this be the reason?”
Well, considering those commercials were obviously filmed several months ago, when there were still crops in the field, I kinda doubt this was a kneejerk production.
Schock’s TV ad on agriculture is running up here too. When you see it you can tell it was filmed last fall when corn was being harvested. It’s been playing here for a few days now, before news of Callahan’s candidacy.
I just saw one of his “ag ads” last night. He’s dressed like a farmer — which was attention-grabbing because you always see him in a suit and tie — walking through a field, talking about ag issues. My wife and I looked at each other and said, “yeah, right!”
CJ,
Those are probably his own clothes, I personally saw him last year at an event where he was dressed is a flannel shirt 3 sizes two big with a pair of wrangler jeans that he probably had to get a running start to fit into and some cowboy boots… Honest to God, I saw it in the City of Peoria…
Because TV reporters of any stripe have always done just soooo well when they run for elected office …. It’s a plan that can’t fail.
If the choice were between Schock and an ag-smart, socially middle-of-the-road Democrat that would support tax cuts, this “Hard R” would consider crossing over in November.
observer, if youre referring to Andrea Zinga, that is a WHOLE different set of circumstances. Besides it worked for Steve Carrel in Evan Almighty.
I am in agreement with Anon. I too would vote for a moderate Dem over Schock.
I saw those commercials too. He looks hot!
It’s a great commercial, and he’ll kick any libs ass.
LOL! Just her “extensive governmental and political experience” will get her elected.
Does this choice come from Billy Halsted?
Colleen will do quite well in my rural NW area of the 18th. I expect a lot of my fellow farmers who normally vote straight Rep. will vote for her. Some of us are more familiar with her due to her parents visibility working for agriculture and Univ. of Ill than with her media work.
I have not moved, but the district bondary did move. I used to be in the Evans/Hare district. Andrea was well known, but only appealed to the hardcore Republicans. She did not appear to get any crossover votes, which Colleen will in the rural areas. I would expect Colleen to win my area of the district handily, if she positions herself with the majority on their displeasure with the Iraq war and the economy.
I will become a Kellar Branch railroad advocate if Colleen gets 45% of the vote or more.
45% is a 10% loss. That’s relatively substantial. She is more likely to get around 40% of the vote. So, I’m on record now (not that anyone cares).
I will never post another word ripping into the lack of business on the Kellar Branch, now or at any point in the future, if Colleen gets 45% of the vote or more.
That’s if she gets on the ballot, and more importantly, if she STAYS on the ballot (a la Versace).
I have been a Republican since 1964. I would gladly vote
for Colleen. She would represent the 18th District not
Caterpillar. She is intelligent, noted in her field and
could well turn our district around instead of letter it
fall apart as it has for years. Great to see Colleen get the gumption to throw out the Republicans that run everything in our area and sleep with the enemy.
…and if you are really a Republican I am Marilyn Monroe
[...] site was registered on Jan. 17. I and other media broke the story that she was running on Jan. 24, but it was common knowledge amongst the political illuminati for a some time before [...]