State warms to idea of Ditka candidacy By Kathryn Masterson RedEye Published July 13, 2004 Could it happen? Could Mike Ditka really be the Republican candidate for U.S. Senate from Illinois? When the news broke last week that a group had started a "Draft Ditka" Web site urging the former Bears coach to run for the U.S. Senate, it seemed like the quirky wish of Da Coach's fans. But Monday, a Ditka candidacy edged closer to becoming-well, a possibility. He talked on TV about running, state GOP leaders said they had discussed the opening with Ditka, and Gov. Blagojevich declared...