SO, Ditka's Out... Who's Up for the Repub Nomination in Illinois?

[liberalpragmatist]

Anybody got a clue? It seems that virtually EVERYBODY the party has considered has turned them down.

From what I've read off of news stories gleaned from Google, I wonder if the nominee may be Jim Durkin, a guy who ran against Durbin last time OR Andrew McKenna, a millionaire who ran in the primary (but lost and came in a distant, miserable, 4th).

The party seems to be desperately avoiding an Oberweis nomination b/c he's a guy who scared Hispanics and moderates during the primary, despite coming in second. State Sen. Steve Rauschenberger, who ran a relatively strong third in the primary was widely looked at as the consensus. He wouldn't have won but it would've been a good race, with two smart, respected state senators who are on friendly terms having a spirited discussion of the issues.

Anybody from Illinois have any idea who? My only fear is that one of the respected former governors, Jim Edgar or Jim Thompson, who have repeatedly declined, may now step in under great pressure as a final last hurrah for the party. Somewhere else I read that Fmr. Gov. Jim Thompson's WIFE may run. Anybody heard anything?

[DustMolecule]

1. Oberweis would be a reasonable choice, but he and Denny Hastert

don't see 'eye to eye', so the repubs wouldn't run him. Even if they did run Oberweis, I don't think he would win against Obama, imho.

[3rdCoast Productions]

2. Everyone says that Ditka's out but I still haven't seen a link or anything

Where is this news comin from?

[King of New Orleans]

3. From Ditka

http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/local/chi-040714ditka,1,4436809.story?coll=chi-news-hed

[3rdCoast Productions]

4. Thanks, everyone was running around with no confirmation

[Thrill]

5. No one wants any part of

Obama. Where are all the repukes from the primary? Running scared

[DustMolecule]

6. "No one wants any part of" Obama

whaddya mean?

[RichV]

7. THE NUGE

Ted Freaking Nugent:

http://www.nbc5.com/sports/3528603/detail.html?z=dp&dpswid=2265994&dppid=65172

"He grew up in Arlington Heights. He went to St. Viator High School," said Cook County Republican Chair Gary Skoien. "He has more connection to Illinois than Hillary Clinton had to New York, and he's been a very articulate spokesperson on constitutional issues. He would be a very interesting candidate."

Nugent couldn't be reached for comment Wednesday night.

[mohinoaklawnillinois]

8. OMG, the "goopers" are really getting desperate

aren't they. Correct me if I'm wrong, but is not Ted Nugent a resident of the state of Michigan?

BTW Ditka was just interviewed on WMAQ the NBC affiliate in Chicago and he said he's definitely not running.

[RichV]

10. Yep

Nugent lives in the Detroit area, I believe.

[oasis]

11. Ted "If you can't speak English get the F@@@ out of America" Nugent.

He blurted that out in a concert in San Antonio, Tx during election year 2000.

The hispanic community was in an uproar.

[yellowcanine]

12. This is getting downright unseemly. Illinois republicans are the

political laughingstock of the country. They are latching unto any celebrity, however far fetched, to run for the Senate. Illinois voters who aren't insulted by this they have no pride at all.

[yellowcanine]

13. Uh - Gary, Hillary Clinton went to New York well ahead of the primary and

campaigned in all areas of the state. She wasn't a last minute plug-in who hadn't shown any previous interest in the position. Give it up already. You Illinois republicans are the political laughingstock of the country.

[DemocratSinceBirth]

9. Obama Would Kick Those Has Been's Asses

NT

[WI_DEM]

14. I'm glad to hear about the GOP's disarray

[in_cog_ni_to]

15. The Illinois repukes are scrambling

to find SOMEONE to run. I heard on a local station last night that perhaps they won't run anyone against Obama. Whoever they run will lose anyway. ;) Edgar won't run...has heart problems and his wife said she would divorce him. Thompson? I haven't heard anything about him running. G-d, I hope not. Illinois has had enough of him. :puke: Whoever they throw in the race...doesn't have a chance in hell of winning. It really will be a waste of $$$$ and time. There's only 4 months left until the election. IF they do run someone, it will HAVE to be a "well known" name. They don't have enough time for an unknown. That's why the big name "Ditka" was chosen. Everyone knows who he is. Fortunately, he has a VERY bad temper. :bounce: