In Illinois: Republicans hoping to keep Rep. Jerry Weller’s (R-Ill.) seat in GOP hands saw their candidate , Tim Balderman, drop out today shortly after winning the nomination.
So now what? [McLean County Republican Party Chairman John] Parrott says he’s talked with Bloomington State Representative Dan Brady about re-considering his earlier decision not to run…Brady has told him he would consider getting into the race if he had the support of the seven county Republican chairs within the 11th congressional district. They will take a weighted vote and must have a candidate on the ballot by August 28th.
Balderman had been criticized for comments to the effect that he didn’t like fundraising and that the party should take care of it for him.
In Mississipi: Voters in the heavily Republican first district need to replace Rep. Roger Wicker (R-Miss.), who was appointed to the U.S. Senate. But they may have to vote for a congressman as many as five times this year.
- The regular primary election is March 11, to nominate someone for the 111th Congress.
- If no one gets a majority, the runoff election will be April 1.
- The special jungle primary, to determine who serves out the remainder of Wicker’s term, is April 22.
- The runoff for the special election, between the top two vote-getters (regardless of party) is May 13.
- The general election is in November.
The three GOP candidates, all conservatives, are Southaven Mayor Greg Davis, former Tupelo Mayor Glenn McCullough, and opthamologist Randy Russell. If you live in the district, you might want to consider buying property near your polling place, to save yourself some time in transit.