WGN reporter may run if GOP foots bill

[chiburb]

Broadcaster Orion Samuelson flirted with the possibility Friday of entering the U.S. Senate race against Democrat Barack Obama, but the decision will hinge on getting the GOP to pay for the effort.

Desperate for a credible candidate to replace Jack Ryan, some senior Republicans favor Samuelson, 70, because of his name recognition generated through a four-decade career at WGN-AM, reporting on agribusiness to a statewide audience.

While enamored of the thought of entering the political arena, the long-time Republican said he has no personal fortune to invest in a Senate race, meaning the party will have to pony up dollars or the question is moot.

"I've covered politics in Washington and the Midwest. It's always intrigued me. But in this case, I don't have any money," said Samuelson, who suggested his chances of entering are slim.

http://www.suntimes.com/output/elect/cst-nws-sen31.html

[onehandle]

1. After Obama's big day in the sun this week.....

....the GOP don't have a chance. It would be a token run at best.

[bushwakker]

2. Is he a member of the liberal media?

[TrueAmerican]

3. No money?

I guess the Bush economy is not really working.

[Stew225]

4. Alas, another media egomaniac lunging for the

proverbial carrot. At least he was forthright about not having any money.

[finecraft]

5. So let's see...so far we have had

the following names floated as possible GOP candidates to replace Ryan:

1. Mike Ditka (Severe anger management issues)
2. Ted Nugent (Really major issues all the way around)
3. Orion Samuelson - yep, nothing can work a crowd up into an enthusiastic frenzy like a 70 year old agri-business reporter!

Being originally from Illinois, I must say I am enjoying this immensely. I love watching a good GOP meltdown!

[greatauntoftriplets]

6. He's only 70????

Lord, he always seemed decrepit when I was a kid.

[dogman]

7. I hope he wears a nametag

so I can tell him apart from Hastert.

[gatlingforme]

8. His credentials are stunning!

[Cadfael]

9. Are they serious??

They're thinking about running the farm report guy on WGN Radio??

[Cadfael]

10. Caught Orion on the WGN morning news

he's not gonna run, health issues..