Ill. GOP Set to Choose Senate Candidate

[Kire]

Ill. GOP Set to Choose Senate Candidate

Mon Aug 2,10:56 PM ET

By MAURA KELLY LANNAN, Associated Press Writer

CHICAGO - A committee that will select a new Illinois GOP nominee for the U.S. Senate was getting calls of support for some candidates, but none Monday appeared to lead the field to replace the scandal-tainted candidate who abandoned his race nearly six weeks ago.


The Illinois Republican State Central Committee was scheduled to interview candidates Tuesday and select one to run for the spot vacated by Jack Ryan after embarrassing allegations about his sex life became public.


"There just can't be enough knowledge to make a decision" until the candidates speak to the committee, said MaryAlice Erickson, the vice chairwoman. "We need to hear from all of the people that have put their name forward, give them an opportunity and make a decision."


State Sen. Dave Syverson, treasurer of the committee, said he would consider delaying a decision, which had been expected by Tuesday.

more: http://story.news.yahoo.com/news?tmpl=story&cid=683&ncid=703&e=8&u=/ap/20040803/ap_on_el_se/illinois_senate

[chicagojoe]

1. The GOP in Illinois is self-destructing.

It will be very hard for ANY GOP candidate to win the Senate seat that is opening up in Illinois.
Barak Obama will win handily. He's very well respected in the Illinois Legislature.
To the best of my knowledge, the most comparable Republican would be
Steve Rauschenberger, and I think He's passed on the opportunity.
This whole situation has to be extremely embarrassing to J.Dennis Hastert, Speaker of the House.

They're getting what they deserve.