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NewsTuesday, October 9, 2007 6:08 PM CDT
Brady not running for Weller seat
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SPRINGFIELD -- State Rep. Dan Brady will not seek the post being vacated by U.S. Rep. Jerry Weller. Brady, a Bloomington Republican, said Monday that he will instead run for re-election to the Illinois House, where he has served since 2001.

"After much discussion with my family, friends, advisors and others, I was left with this huge decision to make in a very short period of time,'' Brady said. ''With as much research and traveling through the 11th district as I could possibly do, I have made my decision not to run for Congress in the 11th district.''

Brady was among a large field of potential candidates considering a run for the open seat, which stretches from Chicago's south suburbs to Bloomington-Normal.

On the Democratic side, state Sen. Debbie Halvorson of Crete and Robert Gorman of Frankfort have said they are interested in the position. Illinois State University student Jason Wallace wants to run on the Green Party ticket.

Weller, a Morris Republican who is retiring after serving seven terms in Congress, is supporting New Lenox Mayor Tim Balderman for the GOP nomination. Former White House staffer Marguerite Murer of Chicago and Jason King, of Normal, also have expressed interest in the race.

Balderman, who also is chief of police in Chicago Ridge, said Monday that he intends to make a formal announcement this week. The 41-year-old mayor is a former New Lenox village trustee and school board member.

Brady, who serves on the House Republican leadership team, said one reason for deciding against a bid was the short time frame in the upcoming election season. The primary election was moved from mid-March to Feb. 5 in order for Illinois to have a greater say in the presidential election.

''This exploration has taught me much in a short time and I will not rule out any future elective office. Now though I am seeking re-election as state representative for the 88th district and I look forward to serving,'' Brady said.

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Reader comments on this story - 16 total

Note: All views and opinions expressed in reader comments are solely those of the individual submitting the comment, and not those of the Pantagraph or its staff.

The Irascible Fachna wrote on Oct 9, 2007 11:02 AM:

" "Boundaries? BOUNDERIES? We doan need no esteenkin' boundaries!" Didn't impede Alan Keyes... "

To Boundaries wrote on Oct 8, 2007 10:51 PM:

" Ha - Weller doesn't even live in that district. Can't let boundaries stand in the way of politics. "

Boundaries wrote on Oct 8, 2007 9:24 PM:

" I thought Dan Brady lived in Tim Johnsons district anyway ? Am I wrong ? "

Re: To : Mr. Consultant Guy wrote on Oct 8, 2007 8:35 PM:

" An Army? You do not need an army. Just look at our local candidates for office and office holders. You need the support of about 10-20 key people. Then the sheep fall in line. Don't rock the boat. "

Conservative wrote on Oct 8, 2007 8:31 PM:

" That's a shame Dan is not going to run. I would have enjoyed not voting for him. "

well wrote on Oct 8, 2007 6:58 PM:

" there's no sense in wasting a lot of money on politics. He made a good decision. "

Truth To Power wrote on Oct 8, 2007 5:59 PM:

" Hail Jason Wallace! Let's go Green. Where do I sign the ballot petition? Where can I volunteer. The 2 party system is broke. Go Green! Let's all get behind this brilliant candidacy. I see an opportunity for us "Greens" to make a difference. The 2 parties are just alike. Can't tell 'em apart! Go Green! Give yourself a real choice. Wallace campaign please publicize your volunteer/canvassing calls. Give me signs. Please Please Please.... "

who then? wrote on Oct 8, 2007 5:45 PM:

" Mayor Steve Stockton for Congress!!! "

Fachna ! wrote on Oct 8, 2007 5:45 PM:

" Your bum is the greatest thing about you; so that in the beastliest sense, you are Pompey the Great "

Mr Consultant Guy wrote on Oct 8, 2007 5:39 PM:

" The Army is being built. Use the Internet and you will find of which I speak. "

King is a good choice wrote on Oct 8, 2007 4:27 PM:

" I have had the oppurtunity to work with Jason in a volunteer setting. He has given freely of his time and energy learning how he can better serve those in which he works. He is dedicated to the cause showing up every Saturday morning when many are sleeping in. But those most important factor is he is not jaded by the politics of it all, grass roots is not a bad thing. The political buisness seems to be the ruination of this country with evryone of them worried about what is in it for them instead of whats good for the country. Jason would be good! "

To: Mr. Consultant Guy wrote on Oct 8, 2007 2:45 PM:

" Not if I have anything to say about it? You and who's Army will decide this seat. "

True Republican wrote on Oct 8, 2007 1:51 PM:

" Although I wish Rep. Dan Brady would have run for Weller's seat, it is obvious as to why he did not. Huge decisions in a short amount of time. Had Weller announced earlier that he was retiring, I am sure it would have given many other qualified candidates the opportunity to ponder the decision to run, organize and raise money. The voters in Dan's district sincerely appreciate all he did to research the possibility. One day, the right opportunity will surface and we will see Rep. Dan Brady run for a higher office. He is one we need to keep in politics. "

Mr. Consultant Guy wrote on Oct 8, 2007 1:34 PM:

" The 11th is goin' blue, and, possibly, the 18th as well. " ______________________ Not if I have anything to say about it. Dan made a good smart political choice here. If the party wants to keep the seat they need to solidify quickly behind one candidate. "

Hmmm.... wrote on Oct 8, 2007 1:18 PM:

" Lets see, Weller is backing Baldermann.....so no there. Murer is an ex Bush staffer.....so no there. Jason King is endorsed by neither the Republican Party members nor by Weller. Seems obvious. King IT IS! :-) "

The Irascible Fachna wrote on Oct 8, 2007 1:03 PM:

" Good call. The 11th is goin' blue, and, possibly, the 18th as well. "

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