BREAKING NEWS: Evans endorses aide

[wndycty]

BREAKING NEWS: Evans endorses aide
By Ed Tibbetts | Comments(2)

U.S. Rep. Lane Evans, D-Ill., is endorsing his district representative, Phil Hare, to replace him on the Democratic ticket in the 17th Congressional District this fall.

Jerry Lack, an Evans aide and a suitor for the job himself, said Evans informed him of his decision Thursday. As a result, Lack said, he is backing out of the race and will help Hare. “I was planning on running and now I’m not,” he said. “It was a difficult decision for Lane, but I respect it and I’ll be working to help Phil out.”

Evans announced Tuesday that he will not seek re-election this fall because of the need to focus on his health. He has been battling Parkinson’s disease for more than a decade. He will serve the rest of his term to the end of the year.

Evans spokesman Steve Vetzner confirmed the endorsement. “Phil has been with him since day one. He’s been his right-hand man and he’s the best person to build on Lane’s legacy,” Vetzner said.
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http://www.qctimes.net/articles/2006/03/30/news/local/doc442c49f1afd1a943958781.txt

[Barak And Roll]

1. Phil!

Phil Hare is a class act. He's been with Lane since day 1 and he's an old union guy. Most of all, he'll share Lane's commitment to constituant service that made Lane so loved in the area. Phil's the guy in the 17th District to fill the space left by a great man like Lane Evans.

[Radical Activist]

2. In a regular primary

Phil Hare would have had very little chance against the more experienced Democrats who have held office that would likely have run. This process was Hare's only chance. Evans going out this way is a disappointing end to an otherwise great career.