Lone Democrat drops out of race for LaHood’s seat

Former National Basketball Association coach Dick Versace has decided to drop out of the race to replace retiring Rep. Ray LaHood (R-Ill.), leaving Democrats without a candidate in a race they had hoped to make competitive.

Versace announced Friday in a statement that he was exiting the race “due to unforeseen personal circumstances,” but he did not provide details.

{mosads}“Over the course of this campaign, it is clear to me that Illinois families are hungry for change and that Democrats, Republicans and independents are fed up with President Bush and his failed policies,” Versace said. “While I’m disappointed it’s not going to be me, this community deserves a leader that will stand up to Washington Republicans that are out of step with the real needs of this wonderful community.”

Versace asked for privacy as he and his family face “a difficult personal issue.”

The Illinois primary is in less than two months, and the filing deadline has already passed. Versace was the only Democrat to file.

An official at the state board of elections said there is no method to get another Democrat on the primary ballot. Without a nominee after the Feb. 5 primary, Democrats will be able to fill the vacancy by vote using a committee comprised of leaders from around the district.

On the Republican side, state Rep. Aaron Schock, businessman Jim McConoughey and former Peoria City Councilman John Morris are running.

“With three strong Republican challengers running for the nomination, we believe that we remain in a good position to retain the seat,” said a spokesman for the National Republican Congressional Committee, Ken Spain.

It is unclear who might fill the void for Democrats.

The chairman of the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee, Rep. Chris Van Hollen (D-Md.), said: “We wish Dick Versace well. Our thoughts and prayers are with Dick and his family at this difficult time.”