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* UPDATED x3 - Barickman is OUT - LaHood is in - Brady is out * Schock replacement list already begins to take shape

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[This post has been updated and bumped up for visibility.]

* The News-Gazette leads with the former hometown guy, but the ones to really watch on this list are the two with by far the most name ID: Darin LaHood and Bill Brady…

State Sen. Jason Barickman, R-Bloomington, said he is interested in succeeding U.S. Rep. Aaron Schock, R-Peoria, who abruptly resigned Tuesday from his 18th Congressional District seat.

State Rep. Dan Brady, R-Bloomington, also said this afternoon that he’s “looking at” the seat. And a spokesman for state Sen. Bill Brady, R-Bloomington, said the former Republican gubernatorial candidate also is considering running for the west central Illinois congressional seat.

Also mentioned as potential Republican candidates in the overwhelmingly Republican district are state Sen. Darin LaHood of Dunlap and former state Rep. Jil Tracy of Quincy.

*** UPDATE 1 *** Sen. Bill Brady…

“I’m very flattered that many supporters and residents of Central Illinois have suggested I seek the seat in Congress representing the 18th Congressional District. I have decided, however, to remain in the Illinois Senate at the current time because of my business interests and my wish to help Governor Rauner resolve the many challenges Illinois faces.

“There may be other opportunities in which I could better serve the citizens of Illinois in the future. For now, I look forward to working with our Republican governor to forge meaningful solutions that will set Illinois right and encourage greater business investment in our state.

“I have several longtime friends who also have expressed interest in the seat – my colleagues in the Senate, Darin LaHood and Jason Barickman who both helped me in my campaign four years ago, my brother Ed Brady , and my Bloomington colleague in the House, Dan Brady. They, along with others, have great potential for serving Central and Western Illinois well in Washington. “

*** UPDATE 2 *** Sen. Darin LaHood…

STATE SENATOR DARIN LAHOOD ANNOUNCES RUN FOR CONGRESS

Forming Federal Campaign Committee Today

LaHood is a former 10-year state and federal prosecutor

State Senator Darin LaHood announced today his intent to run for Congress in the 18th District and will be forming a federal campaign committee with the Federal Election Commission (FEC) today.

LaHood will soon make a formal announcement in locales throughout the 18th Congressional District. The 18th District includes 19 counties in Central and Western Illinois.

LaHood is currently serving in his fifth year as a Republican State Senator, elected without opposition in his last election. He has served on the following committees: Judiciary, Criminal Law, Executive Appointments, Public Health, Human Services, Pensions & License Activities, Environment, Insurance, and Transportation.

Since taking office, Senator LaHood has achieved a strong record as a leading fiscal conservative in Springfield. He has been an outspoken advocate for creating a better business climate in Illinois to boost the state’s economy and create jobs for Illinoisans.

From 2001-2006 LaHood served in the U.S. Attorney’s Office in Las Vegas, Nevada, where he was the lead prosecutor for the Project Safe Neighborhoods Program and then the Chief Terrorism prosecutor. Additionally, he has worked in both the Cook County and Tazewell County State’s Attorney’s Offices. LaHood has also previously worked in the U.S. House of Representatives as a Legislative Assistant and then an Appropriations Committee Associate. He graduated from The John Marshall Law School and currently practices law with the Peoria law firm of Miller, Hall & Triggs.

Darin LaHood has been married to Kristen for 13 years and together they have three sons: McKay 12,Lucas 10, and Teddy who is 8 years old. The LaHood family resides in Dunlap which is in Peoria County.

Governor Rauner has until April 5th to set a date for a special election which must occur within 115 days.

*** UPDATE 3 *** Sen. Jason Barickman…

“I am grateful to hear from so many people across Central Illinois urging me to consider a candidacy in the 18th Congressional District. Yesterday, I spoke with many supporters, and discussed this potential opportunity to serve with my family. However, the needs of my young family and the desperate fiscal situation in Illinois state government are paramount. These issues demand my full attention and present significant opportunities for me to serve my community and make a difference for our great state.

After careful consideration, I have decided not to run for Congress in the 18th Congressional District.”

posted by Rich Miller
Wednesday, Mar 18, 15 @ 1:19 am

Comments

LaHood is planning to announce Wednesday. So, he’s either been planning this for days/weeks or he really have any interest.

Barickman makes a lot of sense. More McLean Co. votes than Peoria Co. votes, I presume. And the LaHood name doesn’t have as much luster as it used to.

Comment by Gus Tuesday, Mar 17, 15 @ 5:28 pm
@FakeMayorArdis - Boy, now I feel silly raiding that fake Twitterer. #RunFromTwittergate

Comment by Oswego Willy Tuesday, Mar 17, 15 @ 5:33 pm
Ummm… the LaHoods have the rep as straight shooters with a real zeal for consituent service. Plus, Ray built up tons of bipartisan support with local leaders in this district that can be employed to good effect.

Comment by Old Professor Tuesday, Mar 17, 15 @ 5:33 pm
One thing we know is that none of the would-be successors will want to be called “the next Aaron Schock.”

Comment by anon Tuesday, Mar 17, 15 @ 5:36 pm
I have been hearing two key names–LaHood and Tracy. LaHood has extensive name ID from his current service and his father. Tracy has built up ID from her recent LG run where she was a staple in the area. Tracy may prove to be a powerful fundraiser as well. As the only potential female in the race, she could go far. It will be interesting to see how it plays out.

Comment by 18th Dist Tuesday, Mar 17, 15 @ 5:38 pm
As a McLean County resident, I am not really that enthused about Bill Brady (his attempts at Gov and his missteps with trying to dole out state money to Bloomington Central Catholic for a sports field) or Jason Barickman. He has not made much involvement compared to other politicians in the area to engage his constituents.

While I don’t agree with all of his politics, Dan Brady would be a strong candidate. He is definitely a politician of the people and will do what he can for his constituents.

Comment by Downstate Libertarian Tuesday, Mar 17, 15 @ 5:38 pm
Joe Walsh can run, win and move to the district later.

Comment by Mr. Moto Tuesday, Mar 17, 15 @ 5:47 pm
=Joe Walsh can run, win and move to the district later.=

He does have a bus…

Comment by DizzyCow Tuesday, Mar 17, 15 @ 5:49 pm
I love how, in a matter of minutes, all these guys throw in. The best shot is anyone in the GA who most vocally rejects Rauner’s agenda. That way, Governor Voldermort will want them gone, and will pay to get them to Washington…where they can build their little kingdom of irrelevance.

Comment by Carhartt Union Negotiating Team Tuesday, Mar 17, 15 @ 5:51 pm
Mayor Emanuel is trying to establish residency, just in case…

Comment by man with a plan Tuesday, Mar 17, 15 @ 5:54 pm
Just what we need- another second generation elected official.

Comment by DuPage Dave Tuesday, Mar 17, 15 @ 5:57 pm
Soccermom is wishing she had pursued that job at Cat…

And I believe Jil Tracy is a current, not potential female. (Of course, I am a prisoner of the cis-gendered construct.)

Comment by Soccermom Tuesday, Mar 17, 15 @ 6:00 pm
Every name there appears better suited for the job than Schock.

Comment by walker Tuesday, Mar 17, 15 @ 6:00 pm
Emanuel is already at Jumer’s with the wedding dress.

Comment by Mr. Moto Tuesday, Mar 17, 15 @ 6:06 pm
We dont need Darrin THE-HOOD. It would be more spineless representation just like his father Ray THE-HOOD

Comment by Former IDOT GUY Tuesday, Mar 17, 15 @ 6:07 pm
Soccermom…priceless!

Comment by Amalia Tuesday, Mar 17, 15 @ 6:10 pm
Ray LaHood was a good representative, brought people together and built consensus and got good things done in the 18th. Darin is a bit right of Attila the Hun. Night and day difference. I believe it has been nearly 100 years since a democrat filled that seat. How about Al Bowman, former ISU president?

Comment by Outside the Bubble Tuesday, Mar 17, 15 @ 6:28 pm
is it true Alan Keyes just moved into a wing at the Schock residence ???

Comment by railrat Tuesday, Mar 17, 15 @ 6:28 pm
===”Emanuel is already at Jumer’s with the wedding dress.”===

Snark of the day! Well done!

Comment by Louis G Atsaves Tuesday, Mar 17, 15 @ 6:31 pm
Lahood, DBrady, or Tracy would be a win for the district

Comment by Langhorne Tuesday, Mar 17, 15 @ 6:38 pm
Darrin the Hood really? Unlike his bipartisan father people in the know despise the right wing zealot. Take a real leader off the ways and Means and replace him with a back-bencher ?

Comment by ventihot Tuesday, Mar 17, 15 @ 6:42 pm
The Constitution requires that you live in the state, not the district, even after you’re elected. You don’t ever have to reside in the district.

Comment by Wordslinger Tuesday, Mar 17, 15 @ 6:42 pm
So who wins the critical endorsement of Peoria car dealer Jeff Green?

Comment by Robert the Bruce Tuesday, Mar 17, 15 @ 6:45 pm
==The Constitution requires that you live in the state, not the district, even after you’re elected. You don’t ever have to reside in the district.==
And with mileage reimbursements, it may be quite profitable to live outside the district and drive to district events!

Comment by Robert the Bruce Tuesday, Mar 17, 15 @ 6:46 pm
Figure it will be 5-6 names, 3-4 will be old political hands, probably 1 wild card in the GOP Primary.

This will be one interesting, intense race, with a short timetable to boot.

Comment by Oswego Willy Tuesday, Mar 17, 15 @ 6:47 pm
If a well-funded Dem jumps in, the DCCC will jump to the front of the suspects list.

Comment by Pot calling kettle Tuesday, Mar 17, 15 @ 6:50 pm
++- Downstate Libertarian - Tuesday, Mar 17, 15 @ 5:38 pm: ++ Brady - You have got to be kidding me! Brady is the worse rep ever. He does not care about people - he only cares about his rise to power! Brady is disrespectful to people in his own district!

Comment by Mama Tuesday, Mar 17, 15 @ 6:52 pm
How about former state Rep. Jill Tracy of Quincy. At least she won’t leave a vacant seat open at the capital.

Comment by Mama Tuesday, Mar 17, 15 @ 6:53 pm
Rauner may be more inclined to a sitting GA member, to leverage the backfill.

For the Governor and his Crew, that’s probably the wise thinking.

It’s not as much as helping someone, it is about backfilling a seat. Smart politics.

Comment by Oswego Willy Tuesday, Mar 17, 15 @ 6:57 pm
Dan Brady currently has to have the state’s worst job. He has to know that D.C. is going to be much easier to deal with than the guv the next couple years. It’s better to get on the first lifeboat off the Titanic than wait until you’re underwater.

Comment by nothingsurprisesme Tuesday, Mar 17, 15 @ 6:59 pm
It didn’t take long for the buzzards to come out of the woodwork on this. I bet this comment doesn’t stay up too long. Buzzards don’t like anyone talking about them. What a dog eat dog world we live in and these so called media people just love it.

Comment by Buzzards Tuesday, Mar 17, 15 @ 7:25 pm
Buzz, I’m confused. — if the dogs are eating the dogs, what are the buzzards eating?

Who are you made at, exactly? The dogs or the buzzards?

Comment by Wordslinger Tuesday, Mar 17, 15 @ 7:29 pm
Sorry to the people of the 18th, but this is what hapeens when you elect someone who thinks he/she is “entitled” to government largess. I say you should go wothout until Jan 2016, we can’t afford a special election (ask Rauner) to clean up any messes caused by this. Investigating and prosecuting this political welfare fraud will be insane as it is.Others have gone without!

Comment by Long time listener Tuesday, Mar 17, 15 @ 7:50 pm
LTL, you’re aware that there’s state law governing the filling of Congressional vacancies? How about we just follow the law, and you can find some other way to vent?

Comment by Wordslinger Tuesday, Mar 17, 15 @ 8:01 pm
Let’s see: Barickman, Brady, Brady, Lahood, Tracy. Did I miss anyone so far?

Of these, which is most likely to vote for Rauner’s budget, such that it is, and all that that would entail?

And Jil Tracy is one heck of a potential female candidate. She’s fully female, which is the hard part, and potentially the strongest of the bunch. Problem is, she doesn’t help the Governor as much as one of the others might.

Comment by 47th Ward Tuesday, Mar 17, 15 @ 8:26 pm
I don’t believe a US Congressman gets a vote in the Illinois General Assembly. :-/

Comment by danray Tuesday, Mar 17, 15 @ 9:42 pm
@ 47- LaHood is a Rauner drone. Not a single original thought of his own and will tow the party line. he would be a horrible choice.

Bill Brady, sheesh.

Dan Brady- has a good deal and he knows it. I doubt he will express any interest.

Barickman? Maybe, he is interested in a bigger office. More moderate than the rest of the group but that could change quickly in DC.

Comment by JS Mill Tuesday, Mar 17, 15 @ 10:00 pm
Durbin lost the 18th District (35%)…minimum wage lost (49%), but the millionaire tax increase won 57%….Cheap but not completely stupid.

Comment by Louis Howe Tuesday, Mar 17, 15 @ 10:19 pm
@JSMill…

Even if Dan Brady has a good gig as is, what’s the risk for him or anyone else throwing their hat in the ring here? If they lose the race, they’ll still have their old office to fall back on and not have to worry about a run for congress interfering with them running for re-election in the lower office because it’s just an off-cycle special election. And if they win the primary, they can be a member of Congress in a safe as safe can be district for at least 3 more cycles.

Comment by hisgirlfriday Tuesday, Mar 17, 15 @ 10:31 pm
LaHood is the establishment choice, in Peoria that creates the trickle down effect.
Darin LaHood moves up, creates a vacancy in his seat
Jim Ardis, Mayor of Peoria and twittergate expert moves to the seat vacated by Darin LaHood
Ryan Spain, Peoria City Councilman who wants to be mayor so badly moves into mayor of Peoria
look at the tea leaves people, this was one of the most well orchestrated take downs in the history of politics. You would be surprised who has their hands in the cookie jar.

Comment by Charlie Wilkins Tuesday, Mar 17, 15 @ 10:59 pm
- Charlie Wilkins -,

Mayor Twittergate would be utterly awful for the General Assembly.

Utterly. Awful.

Comment by Oswego Willy Tuesday, Mar 17, 15 @ 11:03 pm
Jim Ardis runs a company with dozens of state agency “Consulting” contracts and makes a good living doing so. He can’t keep his cushy job and move up to Rep.

Comment by FIRED! up Tuesday, Mar 17, 15 @ 11:23 pm
Fired Up, is that for real about the Ardis contracts?

The dude who hates the Bill of Rights? A self-described “conservative Republican” who’s really a jackboots-on-the-porch punk?

Real conservatives and Republicans on this blog have called this wannabe totalitarian out.

Although he might fit in well in today’s sorry House GOP caucus, I hope the good people of Illinois don’t inflict him on the rest of the country.

Comment by Wordslinger Wednesday, Mar 18, 15 @ 12:20 am
Ok.

Sen. Bill Brady is out, Sen. Darin LaHood is in. It’s LaHood’s to lose, today. Can’t see anyone with the advantages LaHood has, starting today.

Comment by Oswego Willy Wednesday, Mar 18, 15 @ 7:34 am
The female Tracy didn’t do so hot taking care of her people when she was in the GA. Can’t be convinced it would be much different if she finds her way to Congress. Money talks though, and IL GOP gov thought enough of her for transition team and enough of the male Tracy to provide him an appointment, one which he claims he didn’t request.

Comment by Joe Joe Voter Wednesday, Mar 18, 15 @ 7:43 am
Who ever get’s elected will do a better job than Schock. With the Schock disclosures we all will get a look at what a great job this is. Plus Schock has a lot more explaining to do. LaHood will be tough to beat.

Comment by mokenavince Wednesday, Mar 18, 15 @ 7:54 am
– “I have decided, however, to remain in the Illinois Senate at the current time because of my business interests….”

Ummmmm, want to give that one another shot, senator?

That’s either remarkably candid or subject to misinterpretation.

Comment by Wordslinger Wednesday, Mar 18, 15 @ 8:39 am
Bill is a good dude, and he made a good decision. I don’t often dispute OW, but SPECIALS are not somebody’s to win or lose. There are so many odd dynamics with them. This race is the GOP version of the special Quigley won. There are going to be several good candidates and the winner will certainly be qualified, but may not be the perceived front runner. None of the names being tossed around are bad candidates, which is a great problem to have.

Comment by Downstate GOP Faithless Wednesday, Mar 18, 15 @ 8:57 am
===Jim Ardis runs a company with dozens of state agency “Consulting” contracts and makes a good living doing so. He can’t keep his cushy job and move up to Rep. ===

I guess only Governors can do that.

Comment by GraduatedCollegeStudent Wednesday, Mar 18, 15 @ 8:57 am
And to be clear OW, you’re almost always correct!

Comment by Downstate GOP Faithless Wednesday, Mar 18, 15 @ 8:59 am
“When vacancies happen in the Representation from any State, the Executive Authority thereof shall issue Writs of Election to fill such Vacancies.” — Article I, Section 2, Clause 4 of the U.S. Constitution

There’s no wiggle room, the state has no say on the matter. Schock’s office and staff remain in place under supervision of the Clerk, but the 18th has no vote until someone is elected via both a special primary and special general.

Comment by Toure's Latte Wednesday, Mar 18, 15 @ 9:03 am
- Downstate GOP Faithless -

It’s all good.

There will be many great candidates running, I figured 5-6. I’d like Jil Tracy to consider running, and LaHood is an excellent candidate to consider too.

My take on LaHood is simple as to why I feel as I do about his chances;

Name ID
First Name people even thought about
Sitting legislator with a district base
Money network
Place in life and career timing

That’s all.

You are right, “Specials” are different animals, and in some ways, the intensities and timetable being as they are all add to different ways to go about winning. Difficult for me, today, to see fewer positioned better, today, than LaHood.

You are right. Many good candidates. Great “problem” to have.

The race has my full attention. That’s for sure.

Comment by Oswego Willy Wednesday, Mar 18, 15 @ 9:08 am
- Downstate GOP Faithless -

Thank you for your very kind words.

Comment by Oswego Willy Wednesday, Mar 18, 15 @ 9:17 am
Which one of the candidates can attract an out-of-state billionaire to blanket the airwaves on his / her behalf?

Comment by ZC Wednesday, Mar 18, 15 @ 9:26 am
=Even if Dan Brady has a good gig as is, what’s the risk for him or anyone else throwing their hat in the ring here?=

Point taken, there is very little downside for Dan. I just don’t think he will do it. I am ok with being wrong on this one, Dan is a good guy no ethics issues unlike Bill.

Personally, I think LaHood is a joke. I cannot think of one single piece of legislation of any consequence that he authored. In that regard maybe congress is just the place for him and we can find a decent, moderate Republican for his ILGA seat. That would make me very happy and would see that as a big win. The ILGA has a much more significant impact on my day to day responsibilities.

Comment by JS Mill Wednesday, Mar 18, 15 @ 9:40 am
===… and we can find a decent, moderate Republican for his ILGA seat.===

Nope.

Rauner will try to orchestrate, for a 3rd time, a “Rauner-Voting” appointee, that the district pols will be offered, an offer they “can’t refuse”

Rauner needs/woukd like a sitting GA Member to “move on”.

One more seat to co-op. That’s the Guv’s view. If it isn’t, it better be, because in the end, it’s goid politics for the governor too.

Comment by Oswego Willy Wednesday, Mar 18, 15 @ 9:46 am
Wait until the DC crowd gets a load of the next generation of Congressman LaHood. They will be shocked when he fits in well with the loony right-wing zealot faction of the U.S. House majority.

Comment by LincolnLounger Wednesday, Mar 18, 15 @ 10:00 am
Barickman and Bill Brady out,

Bill Brady mentions brother…

Is the field clearing a bit for LaHood?

Comment by Oswego Willy Wednesday, Mar 18, 15 @ 10:05 am
I’m disappointed in the news about Bill Brady.

It is always fun watching him as he screws up high profile races.

I was looking forward to seeing him do it again.

Comment by Gooner Wednesday, Mar 18, 15 @ 10:11 am
Chad Grimm?

Comment by Anonymous Wednesday, Mar 18, 15 @ 10:16 am
LaHood is certainly the front runner, especially with Bill Brady out. But, he only represents a small portion of the 18th in the state senate. Although he was appointed in 2011, he has only run once, in 2012, unopposed. What is most interesting is that some of those Schock donors with the questionable arrangements, also have been supporting Darin. And…there are chartered aircraft to boot!

Comment by Anon Wednesday, Mar 18, 15 @ 10:31 am
Am I the only one who thinks, if played correctly by the right candidate, that the LaHood family connection to President Obama could be a factor in this race?

I’m guessing that to the kind of Republicans who will be voting in this race, Ray LaHood’s Cabinet duty for the Obama White House sticks much more prominently in their mind than his years of honorable service in Congress.

Comment by Michael Westen Wednesday, Mar 18, 15 @ 10:46 am
=Nope.

Rauner will try to orchestrate, for a 3rd time, a “Rauner-Voting” appointee, that the district pols will be offered, an offer they “can’t refuse”=

I would bet that you are correct but dreamers gotta dream!

Really, it is my biggest worry. The local meatball mindset will eat the Rauner rhetoric up. I should have said “wish” for a moderate/centrist GOP. That is more accurate if not unrealistic.

Comment by JS Mill Wednesday, Mar 18, 15 @ 10:49 am
@evelynsanguinetti

Comment by Cheswick Wednesday, Mar 18, 15 @ 10:51 am
- JS Mill -

It’s all good, much respect.

You know I hope. I just can’t see it shaking out any other way.

Let’s hope Durkin and Radogno have some hope left too.

Comment by Oswego Willy Wednesday, Mar 18, 15 @ 10:52 am
Hard to find good people willing to fly every week from Peoria to DC - that’s not easy.

Comment by Formerpol Wednesday, Mar 18, 15 @ 11:01 am
FormerPol, you crack me up.

Comment by Wordslinger Wednesday, Mar 18, 15 @ 11:04 am
Barickman was the class act of the first list. Bill Brady the most experienced. Both out. Oh well.

LaHood the least qualified, by far. He leads. Oh well.

D Brady and Jill Tracy, both more partisan than really necessary, but also smart and capable. Either would be a net add to the Congress.

Comment by walker Wednesday, Mar 18, 15 @ 11:06 am
I’m not a big fan of LaHood, as others have pointed out he seems to be politically much further to the right than his father (or Schock, for that matter). But, I see the race as his to lose.

Several have mentioned Tracy as an option. I just don’t see it. I will let others who do this professionally correct me, but I see the core of the 18th being the Peoria-Bloomington/Normal media market and in that market Tracy has very little name recognition.

Comment by G'Kar Wednesday, Mar 18, 15 @ 12:17 pm
I can’t question Bill Brady for not wanting the job. It’s expensive to keep a separate existence in DC, and a freshman Representative is low man on the totem pole in every way, right down to being told how to vote. So it’s more often a constituent service role.

Comment by Percival Wednesday, Mar 18, 15 @ 12:58 pm
If you want to move into the House, this is a good time to make a move. If lots of hats are in the ring, it’s not necessarily a black eye if you lose, and you don’t have to give up your current seat to run.

Barickman stepping away is a good indicator that he is more interested in a state-wide office.

The Dems would be smart to run someone decent. The chance that the Republicans pick someone from the far right gives them a shot. Not a great one, but a shot nonetheless.

Comment by Pot calling kettle Wednesday, Mar 18, 15 @ 1:00 pm
LaHood’s perfect for the DC House GOP. He’s got a proven track record of doing absolutely nothing.

Comment by Michelle Flaherty Wednesday, Mar 18, 15 @ 3:26 pm
=The Dems would be smart to run someone decent. The chance that the Republicans pick someone from the far right gives them a shot. Not a great one, but a shot nonetheless.=

They will get 25% of the vote if 1) they have a messiah candidate. 2)if they have a 24/7 GOTV effort 3)They spend massively on TV and Radio

All of that and the best they will do is 25%. This is a bright red, GOP district.

Comment by JS Mill Wednesday, Mar 18, 15 @ 4:02 pm
Goes to show what’s wrong with our system. The well connected person with the leadership support score and no track record clears the field. More than ever, in this kind of environment, people need to be voting by party and not by candidate. That’s unfortunate but it’s reality. It’s especially unfortunate in this district, because you know full well that it’s going to deliver 60 percent minimum for the GOP and closer to 75 again unless the Dems deliver a well known candidate.

Comment by Angry Chicagoan Wednesday, Mar 18, 15 @ 4:58 pm
Erika Harold?

Comment by Lake County 2.0 Wednesday, Mar 18, 15 @ 8:54 pm