Ray LaHood announces retirement

[Perky]

After serving seven terms in Congress, Rep. Ray LaHood (R-Ill.) announced his retirement on a Peoria radio station Thursday afternoon.

LaHood served as chief of staff to longtime Minority Leader Bob Michel (R-Ill.) before coming to Congress in the class of 1994. During his tenure, he became a fiercely independent critic of former Majority Leader Tom DeLay (R-Texas) when the latter held an ironclad grip over Republicans in the House. He also clashed with former House Speaker Newt Gingrich (R-Ga.) -- he was one of only three Republicans not to sign the Contact with America.

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Democrats have said the Peoria-based seat would be a target for them assuming LaHood retired -- particularly if Sen. Barack Obama (D-Ill.) is their presidential nominee. The district gave President Bush 58 percent of the vote in 2004. A Democrat hasn't represented the Peoria area since 1917.

State senator John Sullivan would be a likely Democratic candidate, and he has already spoken with the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee. Republicans also have a number of potential candidates in the wings. Tazewell County Attorney Stu Umholtz, who ran for attorney general last year, and 25-year-old state Rep. Aaron Schock -- a protege of LaHood's -- are two of the better-known GOP prospects within the district.

The Illinois primary, held next February 5th, is the earliest in the country, and candidates would begin circulating petitions in August.

[MADem]

1. Wouldn't it be great if a Democrat could play in Peoria!!!! nt

[Bake]

2. Maybe he's on the DC Madam's list?

And now wants to bow out before it hits the fan?

Bake

[global1]

3. Wasn't LaHood A Big Supporter of Hastert During The Foley Scandal?......

and now they are both talking resignation ......hmmmmmm?