Time short for those wishing to replace Lahood in Illinois Senate

Darin LaHood
(WJBC file photo)

By Will Stevenson

SPRINGFIELD – Time is limited for any Republican who wants to replace now-Congressman Darin LaHood as a State Senator.

It starts online at www.applyforsenate37.com and the deadline to submit the full application is 11:59 pm Monday.

Jan Weber of Henry County is heading up the committee of Republicans in the ten counties that will work to pick a replacement.

“You need to verify your voting background — that you voted a Republican ballot in the past,” says Weber.  “We’re asking about what you’re currently doing for an occupation, and we also want to know what your visions are, and what your goals will be to go out and work hard, to meet the constituents of the 37th District.”

In hopes, Weber says, whoever is picked for the seat can help keep it in Republican hands past the 2016 elections.

“[The candidate will have to] be able to represent the rural areas plus the urban areas of the district,” says Weber.  “[We want] someone who has a vision for what they can do to serve the people.  The 10 county chairmen vote by weighted vote.  I don’t really know that one county has a stronger angle to it than another county does.”

Weber says several of those who apply will be interviewed, then the county chairmen will meet next weekend to make a selection.

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