The Journal Star is reporting that Dick Versace has dropped out of the race for the 18th Congressional District seat being vacated by Rep. Ray LaHood.
Wow. Does this mean there will be no Democratic candidate in the race? Or will someone else be appointed to run by the Democratic party?
Democrats are scrambling researching rules on replacement. I was surprised the Dems did not find a stronger candidate than Versace in the first place. After 52 years of Michel and LaHood, no incumbent, and an upcoming election where Dems are poised to gain even more seats I thought the 18th could have been competitive in ’08. Since this seat is stable once won Rahm Emmanuel and other operatives may kick themselves for years for not recruiting a viable Dem candidate.