Downstate Dem (Simmons) quits Senate race (IL)

[goobergunch]

July 10, 2003

BY SCOTT FORNEK Political Reporter

Just seven weeks after he came from nowhere and declared, "I am in--no doubt," Downstate millionaire John Simmons again upended the U.S. Senate race Wednesday, folding his Democratic campaign and throwing his support to state Comptroller Dan Hynes.

<snip>

The trial lawyer said he is pulling the plug to devote his energy to reopening a steel mill and to try to prevent a Democratic donnybrook from hurting the party's chances in 2004.

"The Democrats do not need a bloodbath in March," Simmons said. "It's not going to help us win in November."

The surprise move is an important boost for Hynes, who already has lined up the backing of southern Illinois political power Glenn Poshard and 71 of the 96 Downstate Democratic county chairmen in his quest to replace Republican Sen. Peter Fitzgerald.

more...http://www.suntimes.com/output/elect/cst-nws-sen10.html

[lcordero]

1. I think of Simmons more highly because of that

:toast:

[CMT]

2. Good, we don't need a divisive primary

and I'm glad he is putting his money to good use.