SPRINGFIELD - The Republicans running for Congress in the 18th district agree: With the noise of the holidays mostly out of voters' minds for another year, it's time for their campaigns to accelerate.

State Rep. Aaron Schock of Peoria, economic developer Jim McConoughey of Dunlap and former Peoria City Council member John Morris of Peoria are all vying to replace U.S. Rep. Ray LaHood in the Feb. 5 primary election.

The winner could take on a yet-unknown Democrat in November.

Early in their campaigns, all three candidates said getting their messages out over the holidays would have to be a delicate dance. Still, Schock and McConoughey already have aired TV ads and Morris has been on the radio.

More of that is likely coming, and in January, the three are planning more than a dozen debates and forums.

Schock in particular could have complicated times ahead because he'll have to balance the campaign with his job as a state lawmaker.

Already, he had planned to attend a world affairs-related debate in Peoria on Wednesday, but Gov. Rod Blagojevich called lawmakers to Springfield that day. Schock plans to be in the House chambers that night, according to the campaign.

Morris thinks the Wednesday debate will be an important one.

"This is the only debate we have concentrated on foreign policy," he said.

There will be other opportunities, though, to get a glimpse of the candidates' stances on the issues and their varying personal and political backgrounds.

Following are some of the debates and forums. Many will be held in Peoria but will be televised or broadcast on radio. The campaigns said times can change, so people should call ahead or check local TV listings.

- Jan. 5: 8 a.m. breakfast forum with the Morton Knights of Columbus;

- Jan. 10: 7 p.m. live forum broadcast by WMBD-TV from Bradley University;

- Jan. 14: 7 p.m. live debate broadcast by WEEK-TV from East Peoria;

- Jan. 15: 5 p.m. debate at the University of Illinois at Springfield;

- Jan. 16: 8 a.m. live forum broadcast by WMBD radio, 1470 AM;

- Jan. 17: 6:30 p.m. forum at Morton High School's performing arts center;

- Jan. 20: 5 p.m. debate at Eureka College in Eureka.