Illinois (5/28/06)

Senator Richard Durbin, the Senate minority whip, is very popular in solid blue state Illinois. He will almost definitely run for a 3rd term in 2008 with little-to-none primary opposition. The GOP won't make the mistake of running Alan Keyes again, so they will search for a competent in-state candidate. Congressman Timothy Johnson, not to be confused with South Dakota senator Tim Johnson, is a bit too conservative for the state, but seems to be a likely candidate anyway. State Treasurer Judy Baar Topinka would be a good candidate if she loses her gubernatorial bid to Governor Rod Blagojevich. But this is still a strong Democratic seat and will be difficult, no matter who they put up, for the Republicans to win this seat.

Potential Dem Candidates: Senator Richard Durbin (http://durbin.senate.gov/)

Potential GOP Candidates: Congressman Timothy Johnson (http://www.timjohnsonforcongress.com)
State Treasurer Judy Baar Topinka (http://www.judybaartopinka.com)

Current Rating: Safe Dem