* I seriously doubt that Lauzen’s name is being floated by anyone who would have a vote in the matter, but this shows you how weird things can get in times like this….

State Sen. Chris Lauzen has not considered a November congressional run in a nearby district where the Republican nominee plans to drop out the race — at least not yet.

“Let me give that some thought,” he said Saturday when asked if he would be interested in taking over for New Lenox Mayor Tim Baldermann, who said he will withdraw from the race in the 11th Congressional District after winning the GOP nomination earlier this month.

Lauzen was among several area officials listed in a Saturday Sun-Times story as possible replacements for Baldermann, who announced Friday he would drop out of the race to succeed U.S. Rep. Jerry Weller. The Aurora state senator finished second in a February primary for the Republican nod in the 14th Congressional District race to succeed U.S. Rep. Dennis Hastert.

* Considering how poorly both of Baldermann’s opponents did in the primary, this looks like a shot in the dark…

Among those who may be considered are New Lenox resident Tery Heenan and Jimmy Lee of North Utica, both of whom sought the nomination in the Feb. 5 primary.

* And since Sen. Radogno would have to give up her seat to run and passed up the opportunity a few months ago, I’m not sure that she should be considered a prime contender either…

Local Republicans on Friday mentioned a few names to replace Baldermann, starting with state Sen. Christine Radogno of Lemont. But Radogno, who is seeking re-election to the senate, said she would not be a candidate. “We will need a candidate who can raise money, has some experience and who reflects the views of the district,” she said.

* So, who will it be?

Names being floated to replace Baldermann include… state Rep. Dan Brady of Bloomington and former Will County Board Executive Joe Mikan.

Brady, like Radogno, took a pass on a primary bid, as did Mikan.

* Um, no…

David McAloon, a Republican candidate for state representative in the 75th District, said he would be very interested in switching to the congressional race.

* The bottom line is that the bigwigs are looking for a self funder…

Party sources said money is going to be key in what national political observers say will be the among the 10 most competitive house races for Congress. GOP sources also stressed that they want to find a new candidate — who would be seeking to follow the retiring U.S. Rep. Jerry Weller of Morris — with good name recognition and experience, whether in government or business.

* As I told you Friday…

One name being floated right now as a possible replacement is Martin Ozinga, III, who owns Ozinga Bros. Inc. in Mokena. Ozinga is reportedly considering a candidacy and would likely be at least a partial self-funder.

* A self-funder is more evidence that the Republicans are seriously worried about losing this district.

* Meanwhile…

In light of Baldermann’s withdrawal, CQ Politics has changed its rating on the Illinois 11 race to Democrat Favored from No Clear Favorite. […]

The Republicans do have the opportunity, though, to make a more competitive contest out of it by November — if they can persuade a strong candidate to make a prompt decision to enter the race. […]

Finding a new, strong candidate from scratch this late in the campaign may be difficult for the Republicans, though, especially since Halvorson has a sizable head start on fundraising and could benefit from the increased possibility that the presidential candidate at the top of the Democratic ticket may be Illinois Sen.

* And in other congressional news…

* Foster, Oberweis engage in first debate

* More here on the debate

* In Hastert country, new name rakes it in: So far, Democrat G. William Foster, a former Fermilab physicist and small-business man, has beat his GOP rival, dairy and investment firm executive James D. Oberweis, in the money race by about $100,000, according to Federal Election Commission reports. Each also put roughly $1.4 million of his own funds into the campaign for the March 8 special election.

*** UPDATE 1 *** Oops. I forgot to mention that Rep. Renee Kosel’s name is also being floated. Not sure yet if the party is interested, but she may be.

*** UPDATE 2 *** The Kankakee Daily Journal just posted a story with this headline…

Baldermann exit a head scratcher

Please.

It’s not that difficult to figure out. Remember this story from late January?

“I have done very little fundraising,” [GOP candidate Tim Baldermann] said. “It makes me sick to my stomach. My campaign people gave me a list of people who gave money to (Weller). I told them, ‘If you think I’m going to call somebody who’s never heard of me and ask for $2,300, that’s insane.’ I fight with them every single day over it.

“They wanted my Christmas card list. I’m not doing that stuff. I refuse to do it. The Republican Party wanted me to run; the Republican Party should help fund my campaign.”

The writing has long been on the wall.