[Peace-discuss] Dems buying off David Gill because Rep. Davis is beatable in 13th IL CD?

[C. G. Estabrook]

~ <http://www.chicagobusiness.com/article/20130503/NEWS03/130509870/gov-quinn-taps-doctor-who-ran-for-congress-to-health-department-post>:

(AP) — Illinois Gov. Pat Quinn on Friday appointed a central Illinois physician and failed congressional candidate as assistant director of the Illinois Department of Public Health.
Quinn named fellow Democrat David Gill of Bloomington to the $127,739-a-year post. The governor's office listed Gill in a press release along with several other appointments to state boards and commissions.
Gill, 53, ran for Congress four times, most recently, losing a close race in November to Republican Rodney Davis in the 13th District...
Quinn spokesman Grant Klinzman said in an email that Gill's appointment was based on his qualifications and "nothing else"...


~ <http://www.stltoday.com/news/local/illinois/illinois-judge-callis-steps-down-adding-to-speculation-of-congressional/article_c2d93b7b-421c-5973-a77c-7d69463e0838.html>:

In the latest indication of a possible congressional run by Madison County Chief Judge Ann Callis, her office announced today the election of a new chief judge to replace her...
Callis, 48, who has been chief judge since 2006, is rumored to be gearing up to run for the Democratic nomination to Illinois' 13th Congressional district next year. She has declined to comment on the speculation, but has reportedly met with party officials around the sprawling district, which stretches from the Metro East across the middle of the state to the Champaign area.
The district is currently held by freshman Rep. Rodney Davis, R-Taylorville. Davis is listed among top-tier targets by national Democrats, because he's new and because the district isn't solidly controlled by either party.
At least two other Democrats — David Gill, 53, a Bloomington physician, and University of Illinois physics professor George Gollin, 59 — have expressed interest in the seat.
But Callis would likely be a top contender for the nomination because of her strong reputation on the bench, the formidable Metro East Democratic political organization she would have behind her — and her ability to self-finance. The daughter of wealthy Granite City trial lawyer Lance Callis, she self-funded her judicial retention campaign last year.
Trading in a top judicial post for a congressional seat is unusual, and in this case would come with a pay cut. The chief judge's post pays $181,479. Members of Congress make $174,000.

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