Replies

We're pretty much stuck with him unless he withdraws, I think. (I agree that if Obie is the nominee against an incumbant Foster, he'll probably lose by a greater margin in November than he did this week) He has the nomination by default since this election was just to fill out the remainder of Hastert's term.

The only reasonable scenario where I can see the IL GOP recovering is this:

1) Oberweis FINALLY decides to give his quest for elective office a rest and withdraws, but waits until the party finds a decent replacement who is popular in the district (Kane Co. Chairman Karen McConnaughay? Mayor of DeKalb? just an example) to do so.

2) Lauzen, since he has been weakened in the 14th, is instead appointed to fill the OTHER vacant Congressional race in the 11th district (where he already represents LaSalle Co.) Outgoing Congressman Jerry Weller helps him and Oberweis writes a generous check to him, healing the primary rift.

3) Hillary steals the RAT nomination from Obama at the Denver convention (he leads in elected delegates), thereby causing his supporters -- especially those in Illinois -- to scream about being "disenfranchised" and they vow to stay home or vote third party in November.