In other non-news, national Republican organization to help Zinga

As reported in a piece in the Dispatch/Argus:

Andrea Zinga's bid to represent the 17th Congressional District will receive backing from the national GOP, U.S. Rep. Ray LaHood (R-Peoria) said Monday.

At a press conference in Republican headquarters, the 18th District Congressman said both House Speaker Dennis Hastert (R-Ill.) and National Republican Congressional Committee chairman Tom Reynolds (R-N.Y.) will provide fundraising and campaign support to Ms. Zinga of Coal Valley, a former television broadcaster.

“We tried to persuade Republicans on the national level to come here in previous races, but it's tough running against an entrenched incumbent," Rep. LaHood said of U.S. Rep. Lane Evans (D-Rock Island), who will step down at the end of his 12th term.

This has been expected, even before Evans stepped down, but was even more ensured once the seat became open. Whomever steps into the breach left by Evans will have a tough fight on their hands.

A commenter has also reported that Jacobs has withdrawn from consideration for stepping in to run for Evans' seat. I haven't been able to verify this as yet.