* Hiram has the scoop…

Col. Jill Morgenthaler, most recently Illinois’ Deputy Chief of Staff for Public Safety and Homeland Security Advisor, has entered the 6th Congressional District race as a Democratic challenger to first-term Republican Congressman Peter Roskam. Jill has over 30 years of military, government and private business experience, much of it focused on emergency preparedness, communications and business development.

Tammy Duckworth, an Army Major and injured Iraq War veteran, decided against a rematch with Roskam. Duckworth lost by about 5,000 votes in the ‘06 general election, in a race that cost millions. No word yet on whether Morgenthaler will receive similar support from the DC Democrats, who seem to be concentrating much more intently on the Jerry Weller seat.

* Meanwhile, Congress-son Dan Lipinski is whacked in the Southtown…

Between the elder Lipinski’s consulting business, Blue Chip Consulting, which rents space at the Archer Avenue congressional headquarters of Dan Lipinski, and the 23rd Ward political operation, Dan Lipinski has placed his governmental duties precariously close to lobbyists and political entities. Not smart.

When Dan Lipinski won an assignment to the House Transportation Committee, he insisted he would avoid any conflicts of interest. His father represents United Airlines and many other transportation giants.

“He won’t lobby me,” Lipinski said.

Dan Lipinski’s own disclosure forms, however, show he paid Blue Chip $5,500 in consulting fees since 2005 - a contradiction of his previous position, which was dubious from the start. Who would know if, for example, over cheeseburgers and milkshakes, the two Lipinskis discussed transportation issues? Like many questionable loose ends that remain unanswered - how, for example, voting records show Dan Lipinski casting ballots in person, in Chicago, at times when he was living out of state - the All-American Eagle account creates yet another shadow on Dan Lipinski’s credentials.

I’ve met and talked with Dan Lipinski on numerous occasions. He’s a hardworking, sincere guy.

But he’s got this monkey on his back - the slicker, older Lipinski - who thinks he’s helping his son by clearing the underbrush from Dan’s path.

He’s not helping. He’s making his kid look weak and unprincipled.

William Lipinski is painting a target on his son’s back, forcing him to answer questions about the questionable payments to staff members; the consulting fees to Blue Chip; and the fundamental fact that a fund supposedly established for kids really is a piggy bank for the Lipinskis’ political activities.

* And we have two updates in the race to replace retiring Congressman Ray LaHood. First, the Peoria paper…

Jim McConoughey, one of three GOP candidates for the 18th Congressional seat, will launch television and radio ads today. And he’s sparing no expense.

He hired an out-of-state crew to film the production and hitting Quincy, Springfield and Peoria television media markets with 30-second spots in most of the 20-county district. He’s also going to have comprehensive coverage on AM radio stations to reach different demographics. […]

Direct mailings are expected to come out in the next two weeks introducing McConoughey and explaining what experience he brings to the table.

As I told you lsat week, McConoughey claims he’ll be in the hunt if he can just get his name and story out to voters. Those early ads will certainly help.

The Peoria column also included the obligatory plug for the local favorite…

Candidate Aaron Schock already sent out mailings the past week or so to reach his core constituency. It’s slick and compelling information.

* Next up, Billy Dennis writes about the third GOP candidate in the LaHood race…

Sources inside the John Morris congressional campaign say the former Peoria city Councilman raised more than $200,000 in contributions during September and August. The 3rd quarter financial reports are due Monday, and will cover campaign donations made from July 1, to Sept. 30.

Morris officially announced in early August, when his campaign took it’s first contribution, the source said, adding that they were pleased with the pace of contributions. Most of the donations came from individuals who live within and are able to vote inside the district. The implication is that there’s a belief that when reports from primary foes are released, they will show large donations from outside the district.

* And Sen. Chris Lauzen made it official…

Months after he formed an exploratory committee, state Sen. Chris Lauzen, R-Aurora, announced his plans to run for Congress.

Lauzen made his official announcement Wednesday morning to a crowd of supporters and others assembled at Garfield Park in Aurora. He will seek the 14th Congressional District seat currently held by Rep. Dennis Hastert, R-Plano. Hastert, the former House speaker, who will not seek re-election in 2008.

“So fasten your seat belts, I’m running for Congress,” Lauzen said to the cheers of the crowd.

The announcement kicked off a three-day, eight-county tour with 26 stops throughout the district.

* That’s quite the grueling schedule. One thing about Lauzen is he’ll outwork just about anybody. One more brief bit…

Lauzen said, so far, more than 3,000 people have volunteered to participate in his campaign.

* Here’s a Video News Service clip that I’ve already posted at my YouTube page…

* That was quick…

A former aide to President George W. Bush said Friday she will not run for retiring U.S. Rep. Jerry Weller’s seat in Congress.

Meg Murer, 38, had considered making a run for the 11th Congressional District seat being vacated by Weller, a Morris Republican.

Murer said she wasn’t ready to return to Washington, D.C., after being away from the White House for a year. Murer had served as chief of the president’s correspondence division, overseeing an office that answers mail sent to the president.

Discuss.