Posted on 02/27/2007 7:01:24 PM PST by Clintonfatigued
A respected Chicago Board of Trade executive from Winnetka and a Long Grove businessman whose family owns the Ben Franklin variety store franchise are among those talking to Illinois Republican leaders about running against Democratic U.S. Sen. Dick Durbin next year.
Both Kevin J.P. O'Hara, the chief administrative officer at the Chicago futures exchange, and Steve Greenberg, the wholesale executive, would seem to have the ability to write a check to cover some or all of the costs of a campaign.
State GOP leaders consider that important in finding an opponent for Durbin, given the political dynamics in play. Whoever runs against Durbin already is getting a late start, a situation made worse by a Democratic plan to move up Illinois' 2008 primary to Feb. 5 - six weeks earlier than normal.
The practical effect on the political machinery is that candidates could need to file for office as early as mid-October. That means campaign season could start July 4 instead of the traditional Labor Day kickoff. And given federal campaign fundraising limits, candidates already should have started the money sweepstakes.
To that end, Illinois Republican Party Chairman Andy McKenna Jr. said he's talked to individuals who could self-fund about challenging Durbin, who's No. 2 in Senate Democratic leadership.
"A number of people have reached out to us who do have some resources," McKenna said. "Voters are interested in non-politicians from time to time, and this might be a good time for it."
McKenna remained tight-lipped about names, but O'Hara and Greenberg each told the Daily Herald they're exploring a run for Senate.
(Excerpt) Read more at dailyherald.com ...
Yup. The last non-politician won, and six years later was basically run out by the criminals in his own state party.
To borrow from Dennis Miller: "I'd call him a scumbag, but that would be a disservice to bags filled with scum."
Durbin's a total embarrassment. Damned near as bad as Kennedy.
If anybody reads this post please ping DMZfrank.
He is a Freeper, has connections, (no money) He is an African American, Viet Nam Vet, Retired Illinois State Trooper and very well spoken on all issues. He is a true conservative and the Republican Party needs to spit up some money and let him run against Dick Durbin.
I am very serious!
Please ping
dmzfrank and urge him to run!!
I sent durbinladin a letter stating that I would work till my dying day to help remove him from office. Now it appears that I will get my chance!
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