18th Congressional seat could be a barn burner

From the rumor mill:

With Congressman Raymond Lahood deciding not to seek relection next year, the 18th Congressional Seat race could turn into the barn burner of the decade. Two popular politicians are being touted as the answers to each parties success in holding on or gaining the seat.

From the Republican side there is talk that Sangamon County Sheriff Neil Williamson coming off of his landslide reelection would be the perfect choice; he has voter appeal, an outstanding track record as sheriff, no major baggage to contend with, charismatic, and is popular with both Republicans and Democratic voters. I would agree that Williamson would be a great choice and with the recent personnel moves within the sheriffs department, it is a better than 50% bet that Neil will toss his hat into the ring.

The only issue is, he does not currently live in the 18th and would have to move out of Chatham; but that is not the first time a politician has moved for political reasons.

On the Democratic side there is the current Springfield Mayor, Tim Davlin. Davlin also is coming off of a landslide victory, is charismatic, can talk it up with the best of them and has a huge warchest available. He is tight with Dick Durbin and as much as it pains me to say, he would prove to be a formidable candiate if for no other reason than he is quite good at making lemonade from lemons when it comes to bad press.

The mayor does have some issues which he will have to contend with, his volatile relationship with the Springfield City Council, his handling of the budget issues, his secret deal with the Sierra Club, and his relationship with the Governor. On the other hand, Peoria is a Democratic stronghold and would have excellent curb appeal with the voters there.

If I were a betting man, I would call this a horse race at this point between these two; Williamson if he is able to articulate his positions clearly would have the inside edge, but with his good ole boy personality, it will take more than just a half hearted effort.