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*** 1:14 pm *** The last time I talked to the guy he sounded pretty fired up, even though he just had a parting of ways with his campaign manager. Strange days, these…
Dick Versace, the Democratic candidate for the 18th Congressional District, told the Journal Star in an exclusive interview today he is withdrawing from the race for personal reasons.
“I thank all who offered their support to me and respectfully ask for their understanding,” he said.
* 1:18 pm - Illinois GOP Chairman Andy McKenna responds to Versace’s announcement…
“Dick Durbin failed to recruit their first choice and celebrity power failed to work with their second choice. With a solid Republican district and strong Republican candidates, it will be difficult for any Democrat to win while Rod Blagojevich and his pals in Springfield are failing the people of Illinois at every turn.”
* 2:47 pm - The Politico weighs in with a good report, picking up on an important aspect that the Peoria paper missed in its scoop…
[Versace’s] withdrawal raises the possibility that Democrats will be unable to field a candidate on the ballot, as the filing deadline in Illinois already passed (on November 5). Yesterday was the last day candidates could file to be a write-in candidate. [for the primary]
“We’re going to see what the rules are,” said one Democratic staffer.
Pointing to Bill Lipinski’s underhanded move of retiring from the ballot after the primary and installing his son into the race, the Republicans had this to say…
“This could be Chicago-ward politics taking place in Central Illinois,” said an Illinois-based GOP operative. “Whoever comes in will have a cloud on their head hanging over them.”
And the national Repubs claimed victory…
“After all of their grandiose claims, it appears that Dick Versace has rejected the Democrats in Washington and is taking his and going home,” said Spain. Apparently, Dick Versace’s ride on the ‘Common Sense Express’ has led him to realize that the Democrats’ liberal policies and sagging approval rating don’t play well in Peoria.”
[Emphasis added]
*** 4:07 pm *** The Illinois Planned Parenthood Council endorses Bill Foster in the 14th CD Dem primary. John Laesch Kossack supporter enraged. Commenters confused.
…Adding… More hilarity as enraged confusion ensues in the above-mentioned comment section when several Kossacks can’t tell the difference between Illinois PP and the national group, and therefore bombard the wrong office with calls. The “machine” is blamed, as is Daley. Take a look at those links and you’ll see why I’m so proud of my commenters.
…More… Foster’s campaign responds on their own DKos post…. And the flame wars are intense. This is quite fun to watch, if you enjoy weirdness.
…Funniest Update Yet… Despite all the online screaming by some pretty kooky John Laesch supporters at DKos over Planned Parenthood’s endorsement of Bill Foster, Larry helpfully reminds us that just last year Laesch refused contributions from abortion rights groups…
Even though Laesch says he is pro-abortion rights, he refuses to accept donations from pro-abortion rights political action committees.
“It’s too divisive,” he said.
LOL.
*** 7:00 pm *** Dick Versace’s statement…
“Due to unforeseen personal circumstances, I am announcing my withdrawal as a Democratic candidate for the congressional seat in this district.
“Over the course of this campaign it is clear to me that Illinois families are hungry for change and that Democrats, Republicans, and Independents are fed up with President Bush and his failed policies. While I’m disappointed it’s not going to be me, this community deserves a leader that will stand up to Washington Republicans that are out of step with the real needs of this wonderful community.
“I thank everyone for their support and encouragement in this race, and I ask that you please respect my privacy and that of my family as we face this difficult personal issue.”
*** SATURDAY *** Former state Rep. Bill Edley says he’d consider being the replacement, according to Billy Dennis…
spoke by phone to former State Rep. Bill Edley a few moments ago. He was just as shocked as everyone else by Dick Versace’s decision to drop out of the race for Congress. In fact, he had sent a campaign donation to Versace’s campaign a week or so ealier.
But the former state representative might consider asking the county chairs of the Democratic Party in the 18th District to place his name on the ballot for the general election.
“I would think the Democrats would find many people Interested in running,” Edley said. “”If they don’t, I would consider it.”
posted by Rich Miller
Friday, Dec 7, 07 @ 1:14 pm
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I’m an ardent Democrat and I would not have voted for Versace.
I hope they find a credible candidate to appoint to run after the primary.
Comment by Captain America Friday, Dec 7, 07 @ 1:21 pm
Hey Rich,
Do you plan to credit the Peoria Journal Star with breaking that story?
Boy, they must be all over that congressional race to land that exclusive interview!
Comment by DeepFriedOnAStick Friday, Dec 7, 07 @ 1:23 pm
LOL.
They’re credited because the link is included.
Comment by Rich Miller Friday, Dec 7, 07 @ 1:26 pm
Out before they even make the horserace. WOW!
Comment by Levois Friday, Dec 7, 07 @ 1:35 pm
“it will be difficult for any Democrat to win while Rod Blagojevich and his pals in Springfield are failing the people of Illinois at every turn.”
Does Andy know about the Republican failure of Bush in Washington?
Comment by ahoy! Friday, Dec 7, 07 @ 1:44 pm
3 Options:
1. A write-in gets the 900 or so democratic primary votes needed on Feb 5 and becomes the candidate.
Odds- 10%
2. No candidate nominated and the party goes through the gyrations they did in the 17th to pick Hare when Evans dropped out.
Odds - 10%
3. No candidate.
Odds - 80%
Comment by True Observer Friday, Dec 7, 07 @ 1:51 pm
ahoy!,
A question more to the point: Does Andy know about the Republican failure in Illinois?
Comment by DeepFriedOnAStick Friday, Dec 7, 07 @ 1:52 pm
Its hard to see this as a big loss. I could never take him seriously as a candidate. Maybe the party will appoint a stronger candidate to run after the primary.
Comment by Sango Dem Friday, Dec 7, 07 @ 1:56 pm
One thing that sticks out about my last conversation with him. He didn’t seem to enjoy fundraising at all.
Comment by Rich Miller Friday, Dec 7, 07 @ 1:57 pm
I think it’s too late for a write-in candidacy.
Comment by Rich Miller Friday, Dec 7, 07 @ 1:59 pm
Andy
When you can actually win an election or find a candidate for any race other than dog catcher that doesn’t fall flat on their face you can speak. Until then, stop running your mouth, and try to find a viable candidate for a statewide office or heck just trying to keep your current state house seats would be a start.
Long Live the Governor
Comment by Andy's mommy Friday, Dec 7, 07 @ 2:00 pm
I question McKenna’s tactics on this response. It would have been more statesman like to simply say that “we respect Dick Versace and wish him well in his future endeavors, but we remain committed to ensuring the district remains represented by a republican who best represents the interests of the families and businesses…blah blah blah. Instead, McKenna takes a crack shot at Durbin?? I’m not necessarily a Durbin supporter, but if the GOP is going to demonstrate it can govern responsibly, it will need to show that it can campaign responsibly.
Comment by DC Friday, Dec 7, 07 @ 2:20 pm
To run as a write-in candidate, you must file your notice of intent with each of the separate election authorities in the district (county clerks) by 5:00 P.M. the tuesday before the primary.
For the 18th district, a Democrat will have to have 928 write-in votes to qualify for the November 2008 ballot.
It will be easier for the party to select a candidate and write-in his/her name than to go through the complicated process of calling a convention of all the precint committeemen.
Comment by True Observer Friday, Dec 7, 07 @ 2:28 pm
The GOP comments are funny.
They are getting awfully worked up about the potential to hold a seat.
That’s what has become of the GOP — NOT LOSING a safe GOP seat is a big deal to them.
Comment by Skeeter Friday, Dec 7, 07 @ 3:05 pm
True Observer,
I believe SB 622 which the Guv just signed changed the write in process and the deadline was yesterday
Comment by Anon Friday, Dec 7, 07 @ 3:10 pm
Skeeter - doesn’t seem they were any more worked up than D’s were at the prospect of picking up the seat after LaHood retired… but I guess everything changes when things don’t go your way huh?
Comment by Underdog Friday, Dec 7, 07 @ 3:12 pm
If Versace doesn’t officially withdraw his name from the ballot, the district committee can name a replacement. As of right now, the Board of Elections site has -nothing- on Versace withdrawing. I suspect that he’ll stay on the ballot, a la Lane Evans.
Comment by Prairie Sage Friday, Dec 7, 07 @ 3:12 pm
We don’t know the personal reasons that forced Versace from this race. So, the first thing we should be doing is expressing our hope that whatever has come up for him and his family, will be resolved quickly.
Politics be damned. A family is more important than any congressional seat.
Comment by VanillaMan Friday, Dec 7, 07 @ 3:29 pm
Is Andy that hard up for some good news?
Guess the answer is “yup”
Why else would he have the full blown response and all the blog items.
But when you so far down you have to make the most of the scraps
Comment by Reddbyrd Friday, Dec 7, 07 @ 3:29 pm
What an amazing contrast between the parties.
Rahm holds conferences to proudly predict 20 - 30 seat gains, and the ILGOP hold a conference to proudly predict that it might hold a safe district.
I remember when the ILGOP was relevant. Somebody ought to explain to them how ridiculous they look with the comments.
Comment by Skeeter Friday, Dec 7, 07 @ 3:34 pm
I’d say the 18th is in for a “Schocking” result, come November.
Comment by Six Degrees of Separation Friday, Dec 7, 07 @ 3:36 pm
The Dems ought to be able to find someone to run against Schock (or whoever wins the R primary). I hate to see anyone get in without a general election challenge.
Comment by Pot calling kettle Friday, Dec 7, 07 @ 4:00 pm
Rich, why do you keep bashing the Peoria reporters. They item they have up now is a tease for tomorrow’s paper. Perhaps they get into the Dems being unable to fill the spot issue then.
What givew with the the bad blood between the PJS and Cap Fax?
Comment by Michelle Flaherty Friday, Dec 7, 07 @ 4:24 pm
[…] UPDATE: Rich Miller is gathering some linkage. […]
Pingback by Politics: Who will replace Versace? (UPDATED 2x) | Peoria Pundit Friday, Dec 7, 07 @ 4:28 pm
” * 4:07 pm - The Illinois Planned Parenthood Council endorses Bill Foster in the 14th CD Dem primary. John Laesch Kossack supporter enraged. Commenters confused.”
….
Hilarity ensues?
Comment by GoBearsss Friday, Dec 7, 07 @ 4:34 pm
Michelle, when they start owning up to the fact that they’re covering (what used to be, at least) one of the more interesting congressional races in the country and stop acting like homers, I’ll pat them on the heads.
Comment by Rich Miller Friday, Dec 7, 07 @ 4:35 pm
Go read, it’s too bizarre to explain
Comment by archpundit Friday, Dec 7, 07 @ 4:58 pm
It’s like a nuke went off, Larry. Bizarre.
Comment by Rich Miller Friday, Dec 7, 07 @ 5:00 pm
The sad part of the nuke exchange between Foster and Laesch camps is that it makes Obie and Lauzen supporters look sane…er, maybe no more kooky at least.
Comment by Six Degrees of Separation Friday, Dec 7, 07 @ 5:18 pm
Seeya, Q-Tip. It woulda been fun.
Comment by Bill Friday, Dec 7, 07 @ 5:22 pm
Since Mr. Halstead and friends think Ms. Gordon is very electable in the district, they should beg for her to be appointed as the democratic party challenger.
Comment by Jehan Gordon for Congress Friday, Dec 7, 07 @ 5:23 pm
You should look at Mark E Wertz. He would not only make a great Democratic Congressman, he would be fair and represent all the people of the district.
Not saying he would take it, but he would be great.
Comment by tadly Thursday, Dec 13, 07 @ 4:17 pm