Thursday, July 23, 2009

State Rep. Beth Coulson Tests 10th District Waters

Got an e-mail yesterday from State Rep. Beth Coulson, who (after some conflicting reports here and there over the last few weeks) has publicly stated that she is considering jumping in to succeed Congressman Mark Kirk in IL-10:

Statement From State Representative Elizabeth Coulson
Regarding 10th Congressional District Race


As you know, Congressman Mark Kirk has announced that he will seek election to the United States Senate in 2010. Since his announcement, many people have urged me to run for the 10th Congressional District seat that he will be vacating.

I have been honored to serve as your State Representative of the 17th District for the past 12 years and I believe I have played an important role in effecting policy in critical areas such as health care, education, ethics reform and the environment. Nevertheless, I believe I have the duty to consider this unique opportunity to continue my work on these issues at the federal level.

Over the next few weeks I will be discussing the possibility of running for Congress with my family, my friends and my constituents. As you may guess, this is a big decision and I must give it ample consideration. As always, your input is crucial and I welcome and appreciate your feedback. Please share your thoughts and advice as to how I can best serve the people of this area. You can visit my website at: www.bethcoulson.org and click on the “Join the Team” tab to leave your thoughts in the comments section or email me directly at: coulsoncampaign@hotmail.com

In the meantime, thank you for your ongoing support. I will be making a decision shortly.


I think that's a pretty interesting development. Coulson has a record that would fit well in the 10th, is an established elected official (State Rep. since 1996) and fundraiser, an experienced campaigner, and has good name recognition is parts of the 10th, which overlaps some of her district (the 17th). (I have to confirm this, but I think she may even be Dan Seals' state rep!) More background on her here. I think if she threw in, she'd probably become the instant front-runner on the GOP side.

Other candidates are definitely also pursuing the seat, though, both officially and unofficially (for now)--in fact, I'm having lunch with a fellow Friday who is considering running who comes from the John Porter 'family' who would also make an interesting candidate. But for now, the field is wide open, especially as Congressman Kirk is not going to get involved anytime soon.


Meanwhile, the Kirk for Senate campaign is getting underway. Check out the new site here. More details to come.

10 comments:

Anonymous said...

Way to go, Beth. I am hoping she decides to get into this race to hold the Seat for our side. Beth is a proven winner, someone who has the brains and the background to represent us well in DC and back here in the 10th. Mark will not get involved in the Congressional race at this time. Those of us who were around way back in the day remember that Mr. Porter let it all play out in the beginning. Go, Beth, GO.

Anonymous said...

the fellow you are speaking to friday thought about the race in 2000 and didn't get in. Coulson would hvae to give up her house seat for this and you wonder if she'd risk her career for a seat that a)might not exist next time b)is very tough to win.

and she also might not win a primary.
we'll see

foklaes

Anonymous said...

Coulson is a class act who would crush Seals - for the third time

Anonymous said...

3:36, I agree with you completely. We just have to encourage her to run.

Baxter and Beau's Mom

Anonymous said...

baxters and beau's (but not belle?) mom. realize that lauren beth gash fit coulsons profile from the dem side and got crushed. Tom Lachemen had that profile from our side and finished 8th. There will be several tasty offerings and again, Coulson unlike a non-state rep candidate would not be able to run against springfield which Mark and every other republican worth their salt will do.

FOKLAES

Anonymous said...

Just imagine a general election matchup between Beth and Jan Schakowsky clone Julie Hamos, who is about to jump in as another out of district candidate to join carpetbaggers Seals and Bond.

Hamos wins the primary with help from Schakowsky’s continued effort to provide the Ninth District with two members and Beth wins easily holding the seat.

As I see it, either it’s Beth Coulson or a Democratic carpetbagger as successor to Mark Kirk. To quote Anon. 7:25 a.m., “Go, Beth, go.”

greywolf said...

Anon 12:03
DITTO

Anonymous said...

Translating juliehamos.com, courtesy of FOKLAES, because a menagerie that already includes a pup/seals and a chipmunk/bond needs a hog?/hamos.

"was a lawyer for U.S. house ways and means committee during carter administration."

TRANSLATION:I WROTE LEGISLATION TO RAISE TAXES AND KILL JOBS FOR CONVICTED FELON DAN ROSTENKOWSKI. CARTER ADMINISTRATION ALL THE WAY!!!

"law degree from gw"

TRANSLATION:I WAS REJECTED FROM MARK KIRK's ALMA MATER, GEORGETOWN, WEAK LSATS?. NO HOYA SAXA FOR ME.

"opened office in springfield to advocate for"

TRANSLATION:I WAS A LOBBYIST!!!!!

"worked for Richard M.DALEY"

TRANSLATION:I AM BFF WITH THE CHICAGO MACHINE AND AM A FRONT FOR THEIR CORRUPTION, AND WAS A PATRONAGE APPOINTEE.

"founded Julie Hamos and associates"

TRANSLATION:"I GOT ELECTED TO STATE REP AND USED MY NEW POSITION TO BECOME A WEALTHIER MORE IMPORTANT LOBBYIST!!!!!"

"worked with amnesty international"

TRANSLATION:"I LOVE WORKING WITH GROUPS THAT HATE ISRAEL AND REGULARLY CONDEMN IT"


""

TRANSLATION:I AM NOT A FISCAL CONSERVATIVE AND HAVE NO POSITIONS ON NATIONAL SECURITY OR REDUCING GOVERNMENT WASTE.

Anonymous said...

What is Ms. Culson's experience outside politics?

Anonymous said...

Beth Coulson is a Physical Therapist, is active in many healthcare initiatives. A few years ago she was active in the campaign to help keep Doctors in Illinois.