Lane

WASHINGTON — Rep. Lane Evans, who has battled Parkinson’s disease for more
than a decade, has told fellow Illinois Democrats here that he intends to
announce his retirement from Congress.
Evans, who was hospitalized for a
brief period in February, had not cast a vote in the House since Feb. 14 and had
not reported to work in his Washington office for more than a month. He began
informing members of the Illinois delegation today and plans to make a public
announcement as soon as this afternoon. […]
A spokesman for Evans could not
immediately be reached for comment. But three officials from the Illinois
delegation confirmed that Evans, 54, had told party officials of his decision to
retire.

This is a sad day for the 17th district. For 22 years Lane Evans has carried our banner in the D.C. Say what you will about the man, but don't disrespect him. Republican or Democrat he served us all.

Lane's retirement will create huge movement in the 17th district. Top contenders right now in my eyes:

1. Boland

2. Sullivan

3. Jacobs Old or Young

But seriously, everyone that is anyone will have their name mentioned in the next week. Most of them will make you scratch your head and say what.

Your thoughts on who the front runners are? Keep the comments respectful, or they will be gone for a very very long time.