* Republican state Rep. Beth Coulson’s voting record would be a good match for the 10th Congressional District, so it’s no wonder she’s under pressure to try to hold that seat for the GOP. Coulson’s office told CQ Politics just days ago that she would run for reelection, but she sent this e-mail to supporters yesterday…
As you know, Congressman Mark Kirk has announced that he will seek election to the United States Senate in 2010. Since his announcement, many people have urged me to run for the 10th Congressional District seat that he will be vacating.
I have been honored to serve as your State Representative of the 17th District for the past 12 years and I believe I have played an important role in effecting policy in critical areas such as health care, education, ethics reform and the environment. Nevertheless, I believe I have the duty to consider this unique opportunity to continue my work on these issues at the federal level.
Over the next few weeks I will be discussing the possibility of running for Congress with my family, my friends and my constituents. As you may guess, this is a big decision and I must give it ample consideration. As always, your input is crucial and I welcome and appreciate your feedback. Please share your thoughts and advice as to how I can best serve the people of this area. You can visit my website at: www.bethcoulson.org and click on the “Join the Team” tab to leave your thoughts in the comments section or email me directly at: coulsoncampaign@hotmail.com
In the meantime, thank you for your ongoing support. I will be making a decision shortly.
* Kirk, by the way, has a new Internet ad that features Rod Blagojevich and Roland Burris. Click here to watch it.
* Sen. Dan Cronin announced for DuPage County Board Chairman during a big campaign rally yesterday. But he’s not alone…
State Sen. Carole Pankau of Itasca said she’s also looking to replace Chairman Robert Schillerstrom, who is vacating the seat to run for governor.
And Burr Ridge Mayor Gary Grasso kicked off his campaign for chairman by announcing he already has financial commitments of more than $100,000 and endorsements from eight mayors. […]
Whether more DuPage Republicans enter the race remains to be seen. County board members Pat O’Shea, Brien Sheahan, Jerry “JR” McBride and Debra Olson all said they’re considering it.
But the field is narrowing. Despite early speculation, former Illinois House Speaker Lee Daniels isn’t expected to come out of political retirement and enter the race.
* From a press release…
Terrence J. O’Brien, President of the Metropolitan Water Reclamation District of Greater Chicago will announce his candidacy for Cook County Board President at 10am on Friday, July 24th. The announcement will be held at the Centennial Fountain and Water Arc located at 300 N. McClurg Court. O’Brien has a strong record of fiscal responsibility and the MWRD continues to stand on solid ground with a AAA bond rating. O’Brien has served as President of the MWRD for the past 13 years, an entity with a budget of over $1 billion. O’Brien has fought hard for and received millions of dollars in state and federal grants. Under the leadership of O’Brien, the MWRD has saved taxpayers millions of dollars through tax abatements.
“I want to do for Cook County what I have done for the Water Reclamation District. I brought greater financial accountability and leadership to the Water Reclamation District,” O’Brien said, “and that is what I will do for Cook County.”
Terrence J. O’Brien has served as President of the MWRD for 13 years and has served on the board of Commissioners for 21 years. O’Brien is a lifelong resident of Chicago. He currently resides on the northwest side of Chicago with his wife, Julie, and three children.
* The Republican primary in the 11th CD is filling up…
Will County resident Henry Meers says frustration with both Democrats and Republicans led him to become the third Republican to announce his candidacy for the GOP nomination for the 11th District congressional seat currently held by Democrat Debbie Halvorson of Crete.
“I am not the handpicked candidate of Republican bosses,” Meers said in a press release. “They have failed our party over and over with insider candidates pre-selected and jammed down the throats of the voting citizens.”
Other candidates are David McAloon of Bourbonnais, who works as a television producer for his Tinley Park church, and Adam Kinzinger of Normal, a former McLean County Board member and an Air National Guard pilot. […]
Though he entered the race on his own volition, Meers already assumes a major advantage over his two announced opponents. His base is Will County, which accounts for more than half of the likely GOP vote in the 11th District. This advantage is seen in his early endorsement by Will County Board Chairman James Moustis, R-Frankfort, and Bill Walker, GOP leader of New Lenox Township. Walker is serving as Meers’ campaign manager.
* And the Daily Herald thinks Republican attorney general candidate Joe Birkett needs to think again…
When it was assumed Attorney General Lisa Madigan would be aiming for governor or Senate, DuPage County State’s Attorney Joe Birkett announced his true vocation is rooting out corruption - and that he is running for attorney general to do that. Then, days later, the seemingly unbeatable Madigan announced she wants to keep her job after all. We like Birkett, but common sense suggests he should reconsider.
Which prompted this letter to the editor…
First of all, that’s not your call, and if Joe Birkett wants to run against Lisa, maybe the ground rules should change a little to even things up. How about Lisa using her married name, Lisa Byrnes, instead of “Madigan.” Wouldn’t that kind of level the playing Field. I’m sure everyone knows Lisa Byrnes is the famous daughter of Michael Madigan, Speaker of the House.
* Related…
* Candidates line up to replace Treasurer Alexi Giannoulias - Former state lawmaker Robin Kelly and newcomer Kip Kirkpatrick heading for Democratic primary battle
* Winters wants to fix political system
* Primary opponent for Hastert? A 27 year old graduate of Elgin’s Judson College is close to announcing his intention to run in the 14th CD, taking on attorney Ethan Hastert for the Republican bid to regain Congressman Bill Foster’s seat back from the Democrats.