Yesterday Dick Versace dropped out of the race. As the only Democrat running he was a lock.
The question is "What Now?"
Republican's have held the IL 18th since 1917. While that sounds bad I spent the day with family in the 18th today and I can tell you that everyone of them, all Republicans want CHANGE.
I believe it likely that our candidate will face Aaron Schock who would sell NUCLEAR WEAPONS to other nations.
This is could win seat.
So what's next
If Versace notifies the State Board by Wednesday, clerks will be sent a notice to remove Versace. Democratic chairman in all 20 countries must then find and then vote on a someone to run in the Nov General.
If Versace notifies after Wednesday, a board must approve his withdraw and there might not be enough time to get the name off the primary ballot.
The deadline for a write-in primary candidate passed last week.
County Democratic Party Chairman Billy Halstead said the party is not losing hope of gaining the 18th Congressional seat with Dick Versace's unexpected decision to back out, though it does force them to start over in one of the nation's most highly watched races.
"It just changes our direction. Instead of having the rolling momentum, now you have to go back to the drawing board," Halstead said, adding Democrats will review those who indicated previous interest in the race and any new faces for a possible nomination.
Ok it wont be easy but it can be done.
As I mentioned yesterday, I no longer live in the IL-18 but I know the are well and want to see a Democratic seat there and in my distinct IL-15 another open seat which seems a good get.
Dick Versace said some things yesterday that gives me great hope.
Since announcing his candidacy in September, Versace, the lone Democrat, has been on a tour of the 20 counties that make up the district. He said Friday his motor home, called "The Common Sense Express," made trips to 15 counties.
"I believed in what I was doing," he said, and he thinks the groundswell of support for him was evidence that the people of the district want change.
"I saw it and felt it everywhere I went," he said. "(People are) sick of this war. I don't care what the latest reductions are. They want out.
Ok folks....I've seen it also.....people who have never voted for a Democrat want change. I want change!
While this isn't a call for action...way to early for that, I plan to go door to door once someone is picked in my wheelchair if I have to.
As for the "pick" I have no idea who it might be. There are not many big name Democrats out there right now but it may not need to be a big name. If its Aaron Schock I think WE CAN WIN.
So be ready!
More here