Free Republic

State Sen. Carole Pankau said Thursday that she is jumping into the race for the 6th Congressional District seat that Republican U.S. Rep. Henry Hyde has held for more than 30 years and is retiring.

State senator announces bid to replace Hyde in Congress GLEN ELLYN, Ill. State Senator Peter Roskam says he will run for the congressional seat being vacated by Henry Hyde. Roskam was first elected to the state Legislature in 1993. He is among its most articulate voices for conservative positions on gun control, abortion and more. He has also been a frequent critic of Democratic Governor Rod Blagojevich (bluh-GOY'-uh-vich). The 44-year-old Wheaton resident could face some tough competition. Moderate state Senator Carole Pankau (PAYNK'-ow) might challenge him for the Republican nomination. And the 2004 Democratic nominee is likely to run again....

Leading suburban Republicans said Tuesday the decision by veteran GOP U.S. Rep. Henry Hyde to not seek re-election next year could result in a torrent of candidates vying to replace him and create a potentially costly primary contest for a seat that Democrats are likely to aggressively target. Patrick Durante, a longtime Hyde aide who also is head of the Addison Township Republican organization, estimated a hard-fought primary contest in the 6th Congressional District could cost a contender $1 million or more to gain the name recognition and support necessary to win in March. And for some of the candidates...