DISQUS

Sorry to See him go · 3 years ago

Boland, Mangeri, that's the only two on my mind now

Carl Nyberg · 3 years ago

I assumed that Sen. John Sullivan didn't ramp up to run for IL-18 when LaHood announced for governor b/c he was planning on running for IL-17.

If Sullivan got the nod, he'd seem a lock in the district. He's already beat the GOP in the most GOP part of the district. With normal Dem performance in Quad Cities and Decatur Sullivan would win by a big margin.

grand old partisan · 3 years ago

Best wishes to Rep. Evans for a restful and happy retirement. He has certainly earned it.

And here's hoping that Democrats in the Quad Cities are more respectful and responsible than their counterparts in Cook County. (I wish Zinga the best of luck, of course, but I'd prefer to be realistic).

Anon · 3 years ago

That district could not be served by a better person than Porter McNeil.

Rock Island Kingmaker · 3 years ago

I think Ted Brunsvold is a lock.

South Side Heat · 3 years ago

Does Lane Evans have any children teaching in a college out-of-state? If so, I think pulling a Lipinski might be in the working

Stavros Popodopolis · 3 years ago

Who is that a pic of?

RiverCityRecluse · 3 years ago

Let's send Boland on....it will solve a lot of problems....he'll be the junior guy and can be dealt out in the next remap.
ByeBye

Anonymous · 3 years ago

Lane is no saint, but he is a model for public servants who want to serve with political integrity without being a slave to public opinion. He will be hard to top, and if Boland and Mangieri are candidates, it will be a real let down. Porter doesn't really have a base, but Brunsvold does and might pull it off. Phil Hare probably will consider it before being told that no one really wants (or likes) him.

Thank Heavens For Lane Evans · 3 years ago

Sad news! Lane Evans is a hero, serving in Vietnam and tirelessly in Congress since 1982. We should be proud he served Downstate IL for 24 years. I think former Macomb Mayor Tom Carper would be an excellent candidate.

SenorAnon. · 3 years ago

"And here’s hoping that Democrats in the Quad Cities are more respectful and responsible than their counterparts in Cook County"

What the he77 are you talking about?

Goodbye Napoleon · 3 years ago

Brunsvold has the strength to get slated and the guy is smart enough to be a great congressman. Porter would probably be great, but can't get the nod - plus he's a hack for Blago.

anon · 3 years ago

I am hearing former Quincy Mayor Chuck Scholz has the inside track to getting slated by the county chairman.

grand old partisan · 3 years ago

SenorAnon -

Does the name Dan Lipinksi ring a bell?

I'm not sure why Rep. Evans waited until after the primary to announce his retirement, but at least we know that it wasn't because his seat was hereditary.

Sango Dem · 3 years ago

Its sad to see Evans go. He has been a great Congressman who made a heroic effort to continue serving in spite of his challenges.

Mike Boland makes the most sense for a replacement. He's the most well known throughout the district and is an ideological match with Evans. It would be a disservice to Evans to replace him with a conservative Democrat.

Hancockcountydem · 3 years ago

Scholz has the experience working for Simon and Durbin needed to get elected. He also is connected with key Party leader John Simmons. He is center leaning on most of his political views but still carries strong democratic values which would favor him against Zinga. Boland would not be bad but does not generate much excitement. Mangieri has run for everything else, so why not this. It should be quite interesting to see what the caucus does. Is Mike Jacobs in the 17th?

SenorAnon. · 3 years ago

gop,

I thought there was some Stroger reference there - which was confusing. I'm with you on the Lip thing...

Nice Suit · 3 years ago

Like Ted Brunsvold isn't a Blagojevich hack...

Anon · 3 years ago

The SJ-R online article now mentions State Senator Mike Jacobs as a potential replacement. Nothing against Jacobs but didn't he just barely get elected to his Senate seat against a political unknown? Are we supposed to believe that makes him a strong candidate?

Drew Hibbard · 3 years ago

Chuck Scholz is my pick. I've been thinking he'll make a run for years, but wouldn't do it while Evans is still in there.

Anon · 3 years ago

I don't care what anybody says, Phil Hare should be the guy. He knows the district better than any other potential candidate and is a match with Lane. I'm sure Lane has his preference and I'm sure he'll make it known.

NI80 · 3 years ago

Sen. John Sullivan would be the best pick. The rest of the crew would do nothing but bicker this to a loss, and come on, Mangieri? He couldn't even pull a primary while being backed by Madigan.

NI80 · 3 years ago

Also....has anyone heard anything about the rumor that Jeremiah Posedel is up to replace Lane?

downstateyp · 3 years ago

Sullivan is in Lahood's district, if I'm not mistaken.

Wumpus · 3 years ago

Kathy Salvi for Congress!

Drew Hibbard · 3 years ago

John Sullivan is from Rushville, so he's definitely in LaHood's district. If he was really interested in the district, he could move to Quincy. I doubt he would, though.

NI80 · 3 years ago

I think it's already been established that there are other members of Congress who do not live in their districts, as Rich pointed out in Cap. Fax last week, I believe.

Stavros Popodopolis · 3 years ago

Jerimiah Posedel!!?? Please, oh yeah, great idea. That guys got no skeletons in his closet. We've already go one overgrown fratboy running in Illinois with Alexis, we don't need another embarassment.

long time reader, first time b · 3 years ago

Just a few thoughts on the comments:

Ted? well considering his primary residence has been in Chicago or Spfld for the past 8+ years, and he is a hired contract lobbyist, chances are that would be a terrible pick. Chuck for congress? A 15 year middle of the road dem mayor from Adams, way to much bagage. He would get killed in the Quads. Can't run a municipal guy against a woman from the base of the district. John Sullivan? Great canidate and his distict is primarily in Lanes, but LaHood creeps into it. Do you think Emil Jones is going to give up a seat that is republican weighted? He would never get it back. Jacobs, has his own battle going on, and Lane waited to resign after the primary so the party heirarchy could handpick someone without a primary battle. Textbook move.

Anon · 3 years ago

Passing the torch to Jerry Posedel is the only way Zinga could carry Knox County. Bad blood left over from his tenure on Lane's campaign.

JUSTME · 3 years ago

Anita Decker fir Congress!!! Helped elect Lane, Rod, and Obama...

SexyDemoGirl · 3 years ago

I'm surprised that no one has mentioned the Mayor of Rock Island,Mark Schwiebert. He would be a great replacement for Lane.

Rock Island Kingmaker · 3 years ago

teddy, Teddy, TEDDY!!!!!!!

Me · 3 years ago

Zinga will ruin her own chances by appearing in public...and speaking..anywhere.

JUSTME · 3 years ago

This has to be the biggest group of political hacks the state has ever seen...ripping every possible democrat in the 17th District..yea, that's a good way to win in November...

Nice Suit · 3 years ago

Anita!

That's two votes for her.

QCDEMS · 3 years ago

Three votes for Anita!!!

Lee · 3 years ago

More trouble for the Democrats? Defending a seat that is lean Democrat, but could go Republican. Zinga has some name ID and should be able to raise some money. Will here be a special election?

I Know Anita · 3 years ago

Anita...give me a break. Phil Hare with hair. Can you say hack a sack?

Anon · 3 years ago

Hey i think we are all forgetting John Gianulias! Could be a contender!

I'M WITH MIKE · 3 years ago

The Dream Team:
Congress: Mike Jacobs
Chief of Staff: Mike Huntoon
District Director: John Brown

Casual Observer · 3 years ago

Mike Ditka would be an inspiring choice. He has great crossover appeal.

Willis · 3 years ago

Ted Brunsvold Jr. He's smart and has a lot of contacts.

GetALife · 3 years ago

No way on Ted Brunsvold... he can barely figure out where the Capitol is.

Anon · 3 years ago

It's gotta be Phil Hare. Scholze? Give me a break - too much baggage and not trusted by anyone outside of Quincy. Boland couldn't raise the money. Phil is the only one who knows the district well enough and has traveled the district enough to have a chance.

Missing The Point · 3 years ago

Aren’t we all missing the point? All this blog involves is a bunch of friends of people who have craved Lane’s seat since he won it years ago. We may not all like Lane or agree with Lane, but he was the only one to take the risk and run for the seat and he has held it ever since. He has strengthened the entire Quad City Area and the 17th CD for all democrats…any honest person could not deny that. He was always willing to take a stand when most of the people on here stood back and watched (e.g. endorsing Obama a year before the primary when few people downstate wanted to touch him). He is a smart man who always did what he thought was right and I would trust his decision on his replacement more than a bunch of jealous hacks who can do nothing more the criticize each other…this is what has always separated people like you from people like Lane Evans and Barack Obama.

Publius · 3 years ago

TED-DY
TED-DY
TED-DY
TED-DY

Xolotl · 3 years ago

Sen. Sullivan does not live in the 17th CD; he lives in the 18th CD (Ray The Hood's district).

Realistic · 3 years ago

Let's come up with some ideas of people who would actually make a good Congressman and a strong candidate who could get elected!
Tom Carper!

Anon · 3 years ago

John G

annon · 3 years ago

This is a Democratic slating, so what about Tom Londrigan from the Springfield side of the District? This is Quad Cities, Quincy, Macoupin, Springfield and Decatur. He ran strong as a moderate and he has worked for Durbin, Emil Jones, Blagojevich (obviously), and is close with John Gianuoulos, Julie Curry, Denny Jacobs, and both Demuzio Senators, Brunsvold Sr., and Porter McNeil or does it have to be someone from the Quad Cities?

Anon · 3 years ago

There is a strong chance that in 4 years neither Springfield or Decatur will be in the district. Should come from the Quads to be safe. It is a Quad City based seat anyway.

decatur's lincoln · 3 years ago

Macon County Auditor Amy Stockwell would be an excellent choice. Dick Durbin funded her two runs for Auditor. So you know she has connection with Durbin and the idea of a woman vs. woman for congress what more could you ask for.

puzzler · 3 years ago

Rock Island Mayor Mark Schwiebert is the best choice if Dems are serious about winning. As a resident of Rock Island, I hope he declines. He will be next to impossible to replace. And even though Lane Evans should be commended for his military service, he was a Vietnam-era vet, but never served incountry.

Democrat · 3 years ago

Isn't Shwiebert a Republican?

Anon · 3 years ago

Hey all you guys....

Isn't this a situation where the Great God Barack Obama should stretch out his benevolent hand and pick the one true successor to Lane Evans?

Downstate Dem · 3 years ago

A fresh voice who can leverage legal and economic development strengths is needed. One good choice is Mark Schwieber, Mayor of Rock Island. The knock on him is that because Rock Island has a non-partisan form of city government he can't campaign as a Dem. But talk to him, see what he has done on social and econ development programs and you'll find out he's a Dem as in big D.

ChicagoCynic · 3 years ago

The comments on this blog prove there are some advantages to living outside of the Chicago metropolitan area, at least if you are an organization Democrat.

Yes you lack Starbucks, good martinis, a lakefront, you think the Hilton is a high rise and a septic is a way of life; but you are able to forsake the voting public with the kind of impunity that only a Chicago ward-healer could love. In fact, you could teach "'dos guys a ting or two"

While Stroger guts it out at Rush Medical Center, the Chicago media is ready to pounce as soon as the party committeemen try to replace the ailing County Board president with one (another) of their own.

Former U.S. Rep. Bill Lipinski (D-Archer Avenue) was able to get away with pulling a fast one and putting the Scarecrow, U.S. Rep. Dan (D-Dad) in his sinecure seat. That's because the Bungalow Belt is also another world and the Chicago media slept through that race until Lynn Sweet and Carol Marin at the Sun-Times called them out.
The Lips set the Gold standard for shameless manipulation. The Western, Illinois Democrats are simply following the playbook. I know this is the wrong audience, but where is the outrage?

Okay. Now that I have that out of my system, having a new hack in there will be much more fun. Evans has been sick and I'm no Neil Steinberg. Let's get the party pols liquored up by the still and pick ourselves a Congressman. And let's give our props to the "out-state" Dems. What you lack in Skim Moca Decaf Lattes you make up for with Chicago-style contempt for the voters.

QCBumpkin · 3 years ago

Starbucks and martini's are available right here in River City. I don't know anyone with a septic that lives "in town". Oh my! You must come out to the country sometime. We is gettin' citified!

SexyDemoGirl'sMom · 3 years ago

Schwiebert has appeal to both sides and would take votes away from Zinga. Let's face it, we can't let that shrill woman be our next Congresswoman! She can't relate to even soccer moms and did you know she does not have a television in her home?

Anon · 3 years ago

Zinga is actually going to have to talk about issues now and not just Lanes health. I hope whoever is selected crushes her!!! Oh and Schweibert will never get the support needed to become the nominee!!! Just wont happen.

O6 · 3 years ago

While Lane deserves a comfortable retirement, he's not going to get one. When he first ran for election he vowed not to get rich from the system. He took NO congrssional pay raises during his entire tenure AND refused to enroll in the Congressional Retirement System! He has relatively few personal finances. Sad, but true. Chuck Scholz all the way.

Sammy Esposito · 3 years ago

Who controls the weighted vote in the slating process?

Porter McNeil would be a very solid candidate. He's articulate, popular with pols from throughout the district, and obviously knows how to work the press. And best of all, he's a blank slate with no legislative paper trail. That will be important if the GOP decides the district is in play. They'd love to spend a bunch of money portraying whomever the Dem candidate is as a big taxer and a stooge of the "Chicago controlled" party leadership. They won't be able to do that to Porter.

steve schnorf · 3 years ago

Can anyone confirm the earlier post that Evans didn't take raises or join the pension system? Will he get no pension at all for his long service in Congress?

Anon,17th Dist. · 3 years ago

The county chairman in Lane's Dist have the vote.
It is a weighed vote by how many votes were cast in the primary. Some counties have only one precinct.
Scholz isn't union friendly and has lost respect from people that have supported him in the past.
I would love to see Porter get the appointment.

brenda · 3 years ago

Is Andrea Zinga union friendly? NO. Scholz is extrmely electable and is supportive of union views. Scholz also will be able raise plenty of cash.I have had my differences with him but he is the most electable and thus will get my support.

Bomber91 · 3 years ago

With Lane's retirement this year and Speaker Hastert's in 2008, Illinois is losing a lot of Congressional seniority. That isn't going to bode well for the future. I never voted for Lane, but respected all of his hard work and dedication on our behalf. I wish him the best and a relaxing retirement.

Having lived in Macomb for a number of years, I would agree that former Mayor Carper would be a strong choice. Not sure how well he plays in the QC. John Sullivan is a jackass who is in the State Senate because he was very effective at lying and slinging mud in 2002 and ran against a very weak opponent in 2004.

In the end, this boils down to what the mighty Jacobs empire decides. If Denny wants the spot, he'll get it. If he wants Mike to go to Congress, Mike will get the nod. I don't buy for a second there would be a Danny Lipinski style carpetbagger moving in. Someone needs to ask Denny want he's thinking. I'm sure Lane already has.

Tessa · 3 years ago

Wow. This brought me out of hiding. What a bummer. I campaigned so many tiems for Lane. I like him so much. I can't think of anyone right now to step into his shoes. Most certainly not Zinga.

I wish Lane the best of luck for his future and with his health. He'll be missed by many.

ANON · 3 years ago

A lot of names are being thrown around here, but in the end I don't think we will have anything to say about who is chosen--the county chairmen will make that decision for us hopefully after consulting Lane Evans. It would also behoove them to consult with Obama. If he blesses the nomination, all is right with the world.

In the recent primary Mike Jacobs barely defeated an unknown with no money and no staff for a seat Jacobs inherited from his father. He isn't qualified, he isn't qualified, he isn't qualified!!!

anon · 3 years ago

Having been affiliated with a political campaign in Lane's district this past primary season, I have personal experience with the manner in which Phil Hare managed the Quad City office, which is to say not at all. I have never seen a more non-responsive political assistant. Phone call after phone call went unanswered. In Phil's world, you don't exist unless you can do something good for Phil. What a complete and utter disaster a Phil Hare candidacy would be.
On the other hand, John Sullivan would be very, very hard to beat by any GOP candidate. Admittedly more middle of the road than Lane, he would attract significant crossover vote.
By the way, no one's mentioned Jeff Terronez. Jeff was the featured speaker at Lane's Unity Dinner in Springfield last August and was prominently featured again at the Labor Day picnic in Rock Island County. Both times, he opined about many federal issues, which was quite unusual considering he is the Rock Island County State's Attorney.

The Underground · 3 years ago

I couldn't think of two more appropriate choices than Chuck Scholz or John Sullivan. I agree with an earlier post that Emil Jones will not let go of Sullivan. Chuck Scholz on the other hand is a very formidable candidate for this job. He is a moderate Democrat from the middle of the district. Some people just have a natural ability and god given talent for these types of positions. Chuck Scholz is one of those people!

Pawl_Pry · 3 years ago

Sullivan a) isn't ready and b) is in LaHood's district. Carper is an interesting choice but may not be ready to go back on the campaign trail. He also isn't that well known (yet) outside the Macomb area. His high profile job is changing that in the region but not yet. Scholz has been with the IML, plugged away in the Amtrak vineyards and has a good solid Rolodex in Springpatch.

Either way, the best bet is to wait until just the last minute so Zinga has to keep guessing.

Team Sleep · 3 years ago

The fact that GOP voters did not have enough insight to select Jim Mowen is a shame. Now the 17th District GOP has to get ALZ elected against a candidate who she cannot attack on health issues and who will actively campaign against her. However, I can see the RNC getting involved as this is now an open seat. Sometimes money trumps all, and this could be one of the times. Rahm Emanuel must ask himself if he and the House Dems are willing to spend a fortune defening Lane Evans' seat.

Paul Mangieri makes the most sense at this point. He has a lot of name ID and isn't perceive as negatively as Mike Jacobs. IMHO, the Dems have to find someone with extensive government experience to take on ALZ. A popular Congressman retiring is enough to get the GOP active and motivated.

just me · 3 years ago

Terronez is bright, young, enthusiastic, not corrupt, a veteran himself, and a great guy. He can keep Jerry Lack and Phil on staff for a smooth transition. Taxpayers would miss Terronez as States Attorney--he does a great job.

Amy · 3 years ago

Maybe the party can convince Zinga to step aside and replace her with someone. I'm not sure who that would be, though. Maybe Art Tenhouse, since he probably won't make it to leadership in the IL House.

Moneyman · 3 years ago

Terronez hasn't done one thing since taking office at the SAO. States Attorneys office is exactly the same as the day Douglas retired. How about a woman candidate? Who are you looking at if that might be the case?

Observer · 3 years ago

Zinga is probably the best known person in the 17th District except for Evans.
Her Democratic opponent better not get his hopes up.
Zinga is also a national personality. The day she is elected, she will weild more influence than Evans ever did. If the Republicans control the House, as expected, she will be on some major committes. (The Veteran's Committee is just a back water. Look at who's on it. None of the major players).
Zinga will put the Illinois Quad Cities on the map and bring home the bacon like it was never done.

Ebony Warrior · 3 years ago

Hey guys, I heard Alderman Frank McNeil may give this a shot. He is in his last term as Alderman and has great name recognition in Springfield and Decatur, the population centers. Aside from that no African American Congressman from downstate and he has ties to all the Black Caucus members as well as Senator Jones and U.S. Senators Durbin and Obama. Would this energize voters in Springfield? I think McNeil has crossover appeal and can carry his own in a debate.

Hare who? · 3 years ago

Phil who? Does he still work for Lane? That is quite possibly the laziest man in the entire 17th CD. Not to mention, I think more Dems in R.I. County would vote against him rather than for him. Phil Hare would actually have to work for a living if he ran and I don’t think he knows what it means to work. If he hasn’t stabbed you in the back yet, he will.

I am with Mike.

cornfeddem · 3 years ago

I keep hearing rumors of the southern chairmen putting together a coalition. Who will be thier guy? Maybe Carper, Scholz sounds strong and electable, he also would have the most money. Sullivan would be great if he were in district. Do not count out the rest of the district Rock Island.

Brad Tusk's Ego · 3 years ago

Get off the Sullivan kick folks...he is well into LaHood's district (Rushville). The Dems don't need yet another carpetbagger candidate (Duckworth, Bean) in IL. And do you actually think the Quads Kingmakers will go for someone outside the district?

And you can forget the idea of Zinga stepping aside and Tenhouse running. First off, won't happen; second, Tenhouse also lives in LaHood's district (Liberty--if those of you up north can find it).

As for Lane's pension/pay, check out Ed Felker's recent stories on this issue in the Dispatch. He fell off the "no pay raise" wagon many years ago. If he never took a pay raise from when he first was elected in 82, he would probably be making like $50k right now. Felker points out Lane does have some healthy investments.

And he only recently started participating in the retirement plan. Hate to say this, but the retirement is one of the great perks of office. Kind of a dumb move by Lane. You might has well take it because you'll get crap about it anyway.

Sage Observer · 3 years ago

I prefer numbers, not rumors. Here are the weighted primary votes in CD17 from 2004, don't have the 2006 numbers but the horse-trading will follow the same lines. The magic number is 23,165, or John Gianulis, Mike Smith, Mike Mathis and change.

COUNTY EVANS
ADAMS 4039
CALHOUN 336
CHRISTIAN 352
FAYETTE 131
FULTON 6025
GREENE 346
HANCOCK 656
HENDERSON 388
HENRY 1106
JERSEY 159
KNOX 2773
MACON 5119
MACOUPIN 5742
MADISON 322
McDONOUGH 1603
MERCER 1279
MONTGOMERY 1244
PIKE 248
ROCK ISLAND 11356
SANGAMON 1262
SHELBY 189
WARREN 651
WHITESIDE 1002
Totals 46328

47th Ward · 3 years ago

Steve Schnorf and Baby Ego:

Good points, but please don't forget Mr. Shimkus and others in Newt's class who promised self-imposed term limits.

Nice to see you again Tessa. Ditto on Lane.

TuneTownTassy · 3 years ago

Must say that how much Lane will be missed . Much appreciation to his many years of service. I am curious to see who will fill his shoes as well. Money for election is a key factor and if I had to pick a candidate with money Jacobs would be the pick. Charisma, charm, experience, and money in the bank, sounds like the man. It will be interesting to see how this all unfolds. I must wonder will Obama have a hand in this decision as well?

ZNorm · 3 years ago

Won't Rahm Emmanuel have a big say in this? Maybe he'll find a Tammy Duckworth clone.

puzzler · 3 years ago

In regard to Lane Evan's pension and pay raises. According to an article in the Rock Island Argus last week, Congressman Evans chose not to enroll in the Congressional pension plan until a few years ago and will not be vested in the plan until 2009, so he will not be eligible for a pension. When elected, he vowed not to take pay raises until his subsequent terms actually began. According to the article, he quietly abandoned that practice during his tenure took pay raises as they became effective.