SPRINGFIELD - It could be the middle of next month before Republicans pick someone to replace Tim Baldermann on the 11th Congressional District ballot.

With speculation swirling over who will be named to the unexpected opening, GOP officials in the district say they likely won't make a decision until after March 5.

"We're kind of working our way through it," said Will County Republican Party Chairman Jack Partelow.

"We've got to do some homework," added McLean County Republican Party Chairman John Parrott.

Officials are scrambling to find someone to jump into the race after Baldermann, the mayor of New Lenox, pulled the plug on his bid, saying he couldn't commit enough time to the campaign.

Baldermann's exit was a blow to Republicans who are attempting to keep the seat in GOP hands following incumbent U.S. Rep. Jerry Weller's decision not to seek an eighth term representing the district that stretches from Chicago's south suburbs to Bloomington-Normal.

Democrats have lined up behind state Senate Majority Leader Debbie Halvorson of Crete and gave her an early and substantial lead in fundraising over Baldermann.

Partelow and Parrott said they have compiled a list of at least two dozen names of possible candidates. Republican officials from each of the eight counties in the 11th district will cast weighted votes for the replacement.

Among those mulling a run include Martin Ozinga III, owner of a Chicago-area concrete and construction company.

"He has been contacted. He is considering it," his assistant, Margie Nelson, said Monday.

Partelow doused speculation that state Sen. Chris Lauzen, R-Aurora, might be interested in running, primarily because he lives outside the district.

"He has no roots in the 11th," Partelow said.

Lauzen recently lost the GOP race to replace former House Speaker Dennis Hastert in the neighboring 14th Congressional District.

Lawmakers in the southern end of the district aren't putting their names in the hat.

"I was called. I'm not interested," said state Sen. Dan Rutherford, R-Chenoa.

Similarly, state Sen. Bill Brady, R-Bloomington, said he's happy in his current job and wants to run again for governor in 2010.

Other names floated over the weekend include state Rep. Dan Brady, R-Bloomington, who mulled a run earlier, but opted against it. Terry Heenan of New Lenox, who came in second to Baldermann in the Feb. 5 primary, also is interested in the post.