Despite a report in Roll Call earlier this week that former Congressman Bobby Schilling was considering a run to replace Rep. Aaron Schock in the 18th Congressional district and speculation by, well, me that a press conference scheduled for this morning likely was to be the launch of a campaign, that is not what happened.
Instead, Schilling announced his full support for Illinois State Senator Darin LaHood in his run for Congress to represent the Illinois 18th District. He joined us on the show Monday morning and said this was a tough decision to stay out of the race:
https://youtu.be/lN6BmUsRSk0?t=2m50s
Indeed, Schilling's endorsement is a full-throated one:

"Darin LaHood is a principled conservative, a man of great character, and a true statesman. There is no doubt in my mind he will be an excellent representative in Congress for central Illinois. Darin understands the challenges we face as a nation. As a State Senator, Darin worked to rebuild the middle class and promote policies to strengthen our economy and improve the lives of all Illinoisans.

Darin will put the dignity of the human person at the center of his agenda in Washington. From protecting the innocent unborn to promoting working families, Darin will always do the right thing.

Darin's conservative values are right for the Illinois 18th District and right for America. I'm proud to support him—he's done great things for the State of Illinois—and I look forward to seeing him take on a new challenge in Washington, D.C."

 
The 18th District was remapped to be a reliably Republican seat. It’s likely the winner of the GOP primary will become the new Congressman for that area. Darin is the son of former Rep. Ray LaHood who also served in the Obama administration as Transportation Secretary. Ray LaHood had the reputation as a very moderate Republican. His son's record, though, is quite a bit more conservative. In fact, in 2013 Darin received a 100% rating from the American Conservative Union.

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