* Breaking news from Politico.com…
The Republican nominee for retiring Rep. Jerry Weller’s (R-Ill.) seat will be withdrawing from the hotly-contested Congressional campaign Saturday morning, according to two GOP operatives in Illinois.
“It’s pretty much a done deal,” said one Illinois GOP operative.
New Lenox mayor Tim Baldermann, whose campaign was dogged by fundraising woes, never was able to garner much momentum in his campaign to succeed Weller in the GOP-leaning exurban Chicago district.
* The Politico thinks this might be good for the Republicans…
Baldermann’s withdrawal from the race could possibly play to the GOP’s advantage. Since the primary has already taken place, the county GOP committees in the district appear like they will be able to appoint a replacement to take Baldermann’s spot on the November general election ballot.
* But it’s far from clear who the GOPs would go with. There wasn’t exactly a big line of well-known, capable Republicans begging to run in that district. And with the national Dems pushing hard for Senate Majority Leader Debbie Halvorson, recruitment could be pretty darned tough.
Reaction? Predictions?
*** UPDATE 1 *** From The Hill…
One source said Baldermann was disappointed with the amount of fundraising support he was getting from the party.
State Rep. Debbie Halvorson, the Democratic nominee, has raised $400,000, while Baldermann has raised jut $100,000.
*** UPDATE 2 *** I’m told by a good GOP source that Baldermann’s announcement will come later today, not tomorrow.
*** UPDATE 3 *** According to the SouthtownStar, he just made the announcement…
Baldermann, 41, said that until the primary was finished, he was unaware of how time consuming his campaign would be.
He said when he ran for mayor he had no trouble fulfilling his duties as police chief, despite critics who said it could not be done. But campaigning in a large congressional district and raising the money to run a legitimate campaign would require all of his time and attention over the next nine months.
“That wouldn’t be fair to the people of Chicago Ridge, New Lenox, or my wife and children,” Baldermann said.
He said he was not withdrawing due to an illness or fearing any threat of a smear campaign during the election.
“This is the best thing for me and the Republican Party right now,” Baldermann said. “The party leaders can select the best person to represent the district in the upcoming election.”
*** UPDATE 4 *** Statement from Illinois Republican Party Chairman Andy McKenna…
“Running for Congress is a difficult job that requires the full commitment from a candidate and his family.
“I respect Tim’s decision to step aside from this race and wish him all the best in his future endeavors.
“The 11th District is representative of the mainstream values Illinois families share and I’m confident a Republican candidate will emerge who brings the type of change for Illinois we’ve failed to get from Blagojevich Democrats in Springfield.”
*** UPDATE 5 *** One name being floated right now as a possible replacement is Martin Ozinga, III, who owns Ozinga Bros. Inc. in Mokena. Ozinga is reportedly considering a candidacy and would likely be at least a partial self-funder.