Man, what’s with Representatives wanting to flee the halls of Congress for cushy university gigs this cycle? First we had Democrat Marty Meehan departing for UMass-Lowell, then we had Republican Kenny Hulshof seeking the job of University of Missouri President (which he didn’t get, to the misfortune of the DCCC), and now we have Republican Ray LaHood of Illinois:
Rep. Ray LaHood (R-Ill.) will make a decision in “10 days to two weeks” about whether he will put his name in the running to become president of his alma mater, Bradley University.“It’s all about Bradley,” LaHood said yesterday, brushing off the suggestion that a departure from Congress would be the result of the seven-term member’s new minority status. […]
LaHood added that he is “seriously thinking about” the job and has “talked to some people in the community about it.” He noted that the university was not looking for a traditional president, but an individual who can raise the school’s profile and demonstrate an ability to fundraise.
This is not the first time that LaHood has considered leaving Congress. In 2005, he formed an exploratory committee and raised $600,000 to challenge Democratic Gov. Rod Blagojevich. But eight months later he abandoned the bid and decided to return to Congress, explaining that there was no “heir apparent” to replace him and that his constituents wanted him to stay where he was.
Illinois’ 18th district has a PVI of R+5.5 and voted for Bush by 54-44 and 58-42 margins in 2000 and 2004, respectively. While it wouldn’t be the easiest nut to crack, an open seat coupled with a strong local Democratic name is always a game changer, even in a lean-Republican district like this one. Let’s hope that Hulshof and LaHood are not the only Republicans in marginal districts considering a mid-life career change now that they’ve tasted life in the House Minority.
Race Tracker: IL-18
Is a state senator who lives in the district.
Sullivan has proven himself a strong vote getter in Republican countries in western Illinois before Democrats bounced back in 2006.
Sullivan would easily be the strongest Dem candidate.
On the GOP side they have Rep. Aaron Schock. Born in 1981 he’s a GOP golden boy.
Sullivan vs. Schock would be a match-up of two gifted campaigners. If Schock won he’d definitely be a GOP contender for gov or U.S. Senator within a decade. Sullivan would also have potential to move up, but he’d have more competition.
I’m a recent Bradley University graduate and as glad as I am to see LaHood thinking about stepping down I don’t want him to be president of my school. LaHood is a dolt. His politics are bad, but he just isn’t that bright either. The man came to a leadership event for wife’s fellows group and said that he didn’t have leadership experience because he “was on the 8 year plan at Bradley.” The only reason he is in congress is because he was on Bob Michael’s staff when Michael stepped down. I only wish I was staying here long enough to vote for Peoria County State?s Attorney Kevin Lyons when he (hopefully) runs for the seat.