The party won't necessarily slate the runner-up from the primary. Oberweis came in 2nd in a field of 8 Republicans during the 2004 U.S. Senate race here in Illinois, and the party wouldn't touch him with a 10 foot pole. (we eventually ended up with Alan Keyes as the "replacement", like 2 monthes after Jack Ryan dropped out of the race)
Happens with House races too. When Tim Baldermann dropped out of the 11th District U.S. House in 2008, they didn't slate the runner up from the primary (Terry Heenan). Instead, the party leaders selected Marty Ozinga, the nephew of a former State Senator, because he was a wealthy buisnessman and could self-finace a general election campaign.
On a personal note, I would prefer Steelman over Brunner (she should have been the nominee in the first place), but this is a real cluster%^&#
So IL Republicans had an Ozinga in the 11th CD and a Zinga in the 17th CD?
Frankly I would not choose either Brunner (unvetted, this would be his first rodeo) or Steelman (disliked by the establishment AND some conservatives say she’s a RINO). And since there is no requirement to go with either of them why be limited? Voters rejected them both.
There is a rumor they want to slate John Ashcroft, former holder of this seat. I think this seat is cursed by the wretched ghost of Mel Carnahan. Neither his widow or the current witch should have ever come anywhere near it.
I’d stick in Rep Sam Graves or the current GOP State Auditor Tom Schweich.
Or if they want to go the female route, Jo Ann Emerson is RINOish but how about former State House Speaker and US Attorney Catherine Hanaway?