Illinois State Senator Debbie Halvorson (D-Crete) has a new opponent in the race to replace the retiring Jerry Weller (R-Morris): concrete magnate Marty Ozinga.
More below the fold...
Local and State Republican leaders (an oxymoron if I've ever heard one) met this morning to choose who would replace Chicago Ridge police chief and New Lenox mayor Tim Baldermann (whom, after winning the February 5th primary, quit the race saying he couldn't run for Congress while keeping his other commitments as a father, police chief and mayor)as the party's choice to run against Halvorson.
Illinois Republican Party Chairman Andy McKenna said in a press release; "We are excited to have Marty on the ticket. [...] Marty Ozinga is a proven job creator, business leader and possesses a strong dedication to his community both at home and abroad."
This is another race to keep a close eye on.
Not only have the Republicans already lost the seat once held (and held and held) by former House Speaker Dennis Hastert, but the 11th district is massive, extending from Joliet to the north, LaSalle/Peru to the west, south to Bloomington and east to the Indiana line, with five counties that are some of the fastest-growing in the nation, being in the mix.
Ms. Halvorson is an incredibly strong candidate; she's raised $861,044 since announcing her candidacy in October and,having met her on more than one occasion, is personable, knowledgeable and aware of the issues that matter most to her constituents.
Granted, she sometimes gets mentioned in discussions about Governor Blagojevich's shady governing and has been accused of being the right-hand to Senate President Emil Jones (D-Chicago), but overall her numbers are strong in the district and she should make this another pickup in a district that has, historically, been Republican.
Stay tuned...