Downstate lawyer to enter Democratic primary

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By The Associated Press | Tuesday, May 27, 2003 | (No comments posted.)

EDWARDSVILLE, Ill. -- A personal injury lawyer has announced his intention to run for the U.S. Senate seat being vacated by Republican Peter Fitzgerald.

John Simmons, 35, of Edwardsville said he decided to enter the race after winning his wife's approval.

"I am in -- no doubt," he said. "I am planning to put a lot of money in it ... and I am going to have a blast doing it."

Simmons has never run for public office.

Six other Democrats have announced they are running or are considering running. But Simmons would have the distinction of being the only Democratic candidate from outside the Chicago area.

Simmons made his fortune representing workers who develop cancer after exposure to asbestos. In March, a jury awarded $250 million to a retired steelworker Simmons' firm represented in a case against U.S. Steel Corp.

He said he is ready to spend the money necessary to win.

"I'm prepared to put 100 percent in, if that's what it takes," Simmons said. "Once my wife signed on board with this and said 'Let's go get 'em,' I said the only way we're going to do this is 100 percent, 100 miles an hour."

Other possible Democratic candidates include state Sen. Barack Obama, former Chicago school board president Gery Chico, Cook County Treasurer Maria Pappas and health care executive Joyce Washington.

State Comptroller Dan Hynes and businessman Blair Hull have also indicated they will be on the ballot next year.

So far, two Republicans have joined the race.

Former Goldman Sachs executive Jack Ryan and Morton Grove businessman Andrew J. McKenna Jr.

AP-CS-05-23-03 0520EDT

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