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The son also rises

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Illinois

The son of U.S. Rep. Jerry Costello says his father has tried to warn him off the “dirty business” of politics, but that he’s nonetheless making an all-out push to get an upcoming appointment to the Legislature.

“Our state is in a crisis. If there’s any time to serve, now is the time,” Jerry Costello II said today.

Costello, a Belleville-based financial advisor, has said before that he’s interested in taking over the Illinois House seat of state Rep. Dan Reitz, D-Steeleville, since Reitz recently began talking about leaving the post before his term ends in January 2013. Reitz made it official this week, announcing he will immediately leave the seat he has held for 14 years to spend more time with his family. […]

“I’ve made it known I’m interested in seeking the appointment,” said Costello. He pointed to his “lifetime of experience in government,” his Army service during the first Gulf War, and his tenure as a Sauget police officer. He said his current position as a financial advisor at Huntleigh Securities in Belleville gives him footing in dealing with the state’s fiscal crisis.

* Meanwhile, Bernie follows up on some stories I’ve been reporting for several days…

State Sen. LARRY BOMKE, R-Springfield, can’t say yet if he will be a candidate for re-election in 2012.

And if he does run, there’s some chance he’d face a challenge from a fellow Republican, Sen. SAM McCANN, R-Carlinville — though McCann hasn’t decided which new district he’ll seek to represent. […]

Meanwhile, one of McCann’s constituents, who also happens to be chairman of the Macoupin County Board and chief of staff to Senate President JOHN CULLERTON, D-Chicago, is considering a run for the state Senate in the new 48th.

“I’ve had a lot of phone calls from people who believe that I would be a good candidate,” said ANDY MANAR of Bunker Hill. “It’s something obviously that I’m considering at this time.”

Manar had a major hand in drawing that district’s map, and it’s been known for years that he wanted to serve in the Senate. One plus one equals two in this case.

* Chuck Sweeny takes a quick look at Congressman Don Manzullo’s future…

While the new 16th District still tilts Republican, the big challenge Manzullo may face is from freshman U.S. Rep. Adam Kinsinger, R-Manteno, who Democrats tossed into a left-leaning district represented by U.S. Rep. Jesse L. Jackson Jr.

Kinsinger’s only hope of remaining in Congress is to move to a friendlier district. If the 33-year-old does run in the new 16th, he’s sure to give Manzullo one heck of a GOP primary battle — and Manzullo may be rusty. Don hasn’t had serious competition since 1992.

* Congressman Schock is getting more publicity…

Rep. Aaron Schock (R-Ill.) will throw out the first pitch at the Washington Nationals game on Thursday as part of Ronald Reagan Day at the ballpark.

The Nationals are one of eight Major League Baseball teams that have partnered with the Ronald Reagan Presidential Foundation to honor Reagan’s 100th birthday.

Schock serves on the Reagan Centennial Commission and was asked to throw out the first pitch, according to his office.

* And there may still be a problem with a new election bill…

Legislation to prevent another four-person mayoral runoff in Springfield is headed to Gov. Pat Quinn. The bill, which dealt with a number of electoral issues, passed the House 82-22 and cleared the Senate 53-0 on Wednesday. […]

Mayor Mike Houston, who came out on top in March’s four-person general election, said the legislation is a step in the right direction, but it doesn’t address a potential problem if there are fewer than five candidates running in the primary. Current election law states there is only a primary election if more than four candidates run for a given opening.

“If you have three or four (candidates), they would all appear in a consolidated general election without a primary,” Houston said.

Houston, who won with 47 percent of the vote, favors narrowing the field. The next closest vote-getter in Springfield’s mayoral election this year was Sheila Stocks-Smith, with 21 percent of the vote.

* Roundup…

* Durbin, Kirk, Shimkus, Johnson, Schock, Schilling Ask Air Force To Explore Flying Missions For The 183rd Fighter Wing

* Pension’s Perks for Members With a Past: Biggert, who served in the Illinois General Assembly from 1993 to 1999, received about $16,000 last year

* Schock, Rangel: an unlikely pair - Congressmen cross party lines to try to extend welfare-to-work tax credit

* The Race for the 10th District: A Look at Ilya Sheyman

* Splintered? Yes. Illegal? Probably not.

* Redistricting costs Moffitt slice of Galesburg, including BNSF yards

posted by Rich Miller
Thursday, Jun 23, 11 @ 1:50 pm

Comments

It is hard to imagine Manzullo being enthused about running in such a huge territory in comparison to his current district. The new district must be at least 3 or 4 times larger, and there is not a lot of overlap for him. Kinzinger will love the new territory, as it will give him a more economically promising area to represent. I see him gladly driving across the new district and exhibiting youth and vigor.

Comment by Chad Thursday, Jun 23, 11 @ 2:07 pm
I hope Sen. Larry Bomke does run again. Over the years I’ve had various discussions with him and he seems to be informed on the issues we discussed. He is also one of my insurance agents, so I understand his need to tend to his business.

(disclosure: my wife & I have known Larry and Sally Jo for probably 15 years or so, first as insurance agent and teacher, and consider them friends)

Comment by Retired Non-Union Guy Thursday, Jun 23, 11 @ 2:26 pm
Nothing like a solid brand name (and a timely resignation) to get you started in politics.

Comment by wordslinger Thursday, Jun 23, 11 @ 2:36 pm
We all know that both poltical parties “gin-up” the maps to their advantage, Republicans in Texas and Democrats here in Illinois.

That being said, how does a guy like Rep. Kinsinger — who had the great fortune of running up against a nothing candidate in 2010 Debbie H — move what 50, maybe 100 miles northwest to a very different area and say I should be the one representing you?

I wouldn’t begrudge any candidate that runs in a district he or she doesn’t live in — if they’re very close and we know that the lines are drawn with a candidates address in mind. But I think picking up and moving a pretty far distance sounds very poor to me. Of course, knowing what type of guy Adam is, that wouldn’t surprise me.

Comment by Anonymous Thursday, Jun 23, 11 @ 7:23 pm
Good to know that Congressman Costello thinks that political office is a family Heirloom.

Comment by John A Logan Thursday, Jun 23, 11 @ 7:44 pm
Why not just rename it the 183rd Pork Barrel Wing?

Comment by wishbone Thursday, Jun 23, 11 @ 8:56 pm