SPRINGFIELD | A second Democrat announced Thursday an interest in running for Congress to replace U.S. Rep. Ray LaHood.
Television and radio reporter Colleen Callahan, of Kickapoo, said she wants to be considered as a candidate for the 18th Congressional District seat.
While three Republican candidates face a primary election Feb. 5, Democratic leaders get to pick the party's candidate after Election Day because Democrat Dick Versace dropped his bid.
Callahan revealed her interest Thursday despite being on vacation in Hawaii. She said hadn't been planning to run, but supporters apparently convinced her to think about it.
"It's not something that I envisioned," Callahan said.
By showing interest in the seat, Callahan joins 10th District Circuit Court Judge Richard Grawey, of Dunlap, as a possible candidate.
Grawey showed interest in the seat even before Versace, a former Bradley University basketball coach, began his candidacy but decided against a run. After Versace dropped out, Grawey renewed his interest.
If Grawey is selected by local Democratic leaders, he'll have to resign his post as a judge.
"At some point, I might do that," he said.
Democratic county chairs will get to vote on a candidate, perhaps in March. Party leaders from counties that have more voting Democrats will get more say, with Peoria County getting the most.
Callahan admits convincing county leaders is the only race for the time being.
"At this point, really, the campaign is just that," she said.
Grawey said he hasn't begun looking for potential campaign donors yet but said that shouldn't be a problem in the March to November campaign season.
On Feb. 5, Republican voters will get to decide that party's nominee among state Rep. Aaron Schock, of Peoria, businessman Jim McConoughey, of Dunlap, and former Peoria City Councilman John Morris, of Peoria.
The 18th District spans a large part of central Illinois and includes northern parts of Decatur and Macon County, all of Logan County and parts of Woodford and Tazewell counties.
-- Mike Riopell can be reached at mike.riopell@lee.net or (217) 789-0865.
