David Ormsby is reporting that State Rep. Julie Hamos (D-Evanston) is planning to announce her bid for the open 10th Congressional District seat early next week, "according to a Democratic source." In doing so, she will join a Democratic field that currently includes State Sen. Michael Bond, former two-time candidate Dan Seals, Elliot Richardson, and perhaps State Sen. Terry Link.
We've written extensively about Hamos' legislative efforts on this site. But her impending candidacy raises an important question: Why is so hard to find qualified Democratic candidates who actually live in the 10th District?
Seals resides just outside the IL-10 boundary and that fact was brought up constantly by GOP Rep. Mark Kirk in both the 2006 and 2008 campaign battles.
Hamos, meanwhile, lives in downtown Evanston, a couple of miles from the district line. Rep. Susan Garrett recently told Roll Call that Hamos would likely move into the 10th if she decides to run.
My understanding is that Bond lives in the neighboring 8th District. It's not clear if he plans to relocate.
Granted, there are many examples on both sides of the aisle of candidates residing outside of the district they are vying to represent. Nonetheless, it invites an easy line of attack from their opponents. And in the case of the 10th District primary, it's getting a bit ridiculous.
Comments
Anonymous (not verified) on Sat, 07/25/2009 - 20:48
Why is residency an issue at all? Federal law says that representatives must only live in the state that the district they seek to represent is in. Living within a mile or two of districts that are often gerrymandered to exclude viable opponents if the other party is no sin. Besides, Hamos intends to move into the district before the campaign is over.
Anonymous (not verified) on Sat, 07/25/2009 - 20:49
Er, viable opponents "of" the other party.
Post new comment
Progress Illinois' intention is to foster community and to maintain a comfortable and constructive blogging environment. While we encourage and appreciates different points of view, we do not consider it our duty to give a voice to anybody with an opinion.
Discussion on this site is moderated. All comments submitted will be automatically held for review by the editors before posting. Your comment will not appear on the site until it has been approved.
We will not publish comments that we consider:
Please leave a name or nickname when commenting, as it makes it easier for others to respond directly.