I'm not convinced Ditka can win here. Don't get me wrong, he's the only shot the GOP has with former Govs. Edgar and Thompson ruling out a run. And the thought of Obama just walking into office uncontested--who'd clearly be the most liberal member of the U.S. Senate--makes me ill.
BTW, the only reason Fitzgerald won in '98 was because he ran against Carole Mosley-Braun, who was so unbelievably corrupt and fraudulent that her base stayed home. Even then, though, Fitzgerald only got 50.35% of the vote.
This state is so infested with RATS and the GOP so pathetic, that probably only Ditka has a prayer. Ryan was gonna get beaten by Obama, too.
you're points are true, but Ditka has so much star appeal he can make up for Obama's lack of corruption. It's the Coach vs the Socialist.