GOP soirée trots out potential candidates

Rep. Ray LaHood, R-Peoria, was the featured speaker at the Rock Island County Republican Party's Lincoln Day Dinner Thursday night at The Mark of the Quad Cities.

LaHood, who lived briefly in East Moline and worked for former 17th District congressman Tom Railsback, said he'd decide in July whether he will challenge Rod Blagojevich for the governorship.

His complaints centered on loss of businesses in the state and the loss of doctors in southern Illinois.

Republican dairy mogul James Oberweis has already officially declared his candidacy for the Illinois Governor's seat. Oberweiss lost the Republican primary to Jack Ryan. After Ryan dropped out of the race over the revelation of a kinkitation situation, state Republican leaders passed over Oberweiss in favor of lunatic Allen Keyes. Oberweis spent $3.01 million of his own money in his losing bid in the Senate primary. He said he would again be spending his own money on the gubernatorial campaign, but declined to estimate how much.

Oberweiss milk and dairy products are available at Jewel and other stores. They come in glass bottles and are nearly twice the price of regular milk. Unless you want to support Republican causes and his campaign, I'd think twice before purchasing his products.

State Treasurer Judy Baar Topinka, DuPage County State's Attorney Joe Birkett and former State Board of Education chairman Ron Gidwitz have all indicated their interest in becoming Governor of Illinois. State Sen. Steve Rauschenberger of Elgin has also been mentioned.

Republicans hoping to unseat Lane Evans in the 17th District were trotted out as well. Brian "Gilligan" Gilliland, 43, of Aledo, Jim Mowen of Rock Island, and Andrea Zinga of Coal Valley, all spoke at the catered affair.