Another prominent Republican is looking at running for the open Congressional seat being vacated by the scandal plagued Aaron Schock.
Peoria State Senator Darin LaHood has already announced his candidacy. Former State Representative Jill Tracy of Quincy is exploring the notion. Now, businessman Ed Brady of Bloomington says he is considering the race as well.
"I'm a pro-business growth opportunity candidate if I do get into this. As a volunteer, I've been in politics for 27 years. But, as a businessman, I'd be the only outsider if you will."
Ed Brady says Washington needs someone with commonsense business experience. Brady's brother is State Senator Bill Brady, a several time candidate for Governor, which could help him in fundraising and organizing on short notice.
Brady says he will make a final decision when Governor Rauner announced the timeline for the special primary and general elections.
"Cause I do believe I will start at a deficit to Darin. And so, the tighter time frame probably does not help me."
"This will be a low voter turnout, so you've gotta get to your base. you've gotta get to the people who are going to get out and vote. So you have to make sure the counties are willing to have that opportunity. It will be a retail politics campaign."
Jill Tracy also has a background in her family business before she went to Springfield and later ran for Lieutenant Governor. Darin LaHood was a State's Attorney before he became State Senator.
The district strongly favors a Republican and stretches from Bloomington-Normal to Quincy. Representative Aaron Schock is stepping down as federal investigations have begun into his campaign, office, and business dealings.
This would be Ed Brady's second run for political office. In 2000 he lost a GOP state house primary by 47 votes to current State Representative Dan Brady. Finishing a distant third in that race was then Bloomington Alderman Skip Crawford.