HYDE OUT

Lynn Sweet says we should expect Rep. Henry Hyde to announce that he will not seek another term in the next few weeks. But that Hyde intends to serve out his term.

Sweet also takes a look at the upcoming race for the 6th District seat:

Hyde won the 2004 election with 55.8 percent of the vote against Democrat Christine Cegelis of Rolling Meadows, who is campaigning full time and raising money for a 2006 contest. Democrats believe Hyde is vulnerable.

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While Hyde's district is reliably Republican, Democrats have made some inroads in recent years and the new Democratic Congressional Committee chairman, Rep. Rahm Emanuel (D-Ill.), sees the district as competitive for Democrats.

Archpundit -- who posts that Christine "ran a hell of a campaign and the groundwork was top notch" -- notes that support from Emanuel and a clear position on social security reform tampering will be the keys to this race.

Well, that and money...

So here's the plug for today's Cegelis fundraiser:
"Going for the Green"
Fundraiser for Cegelis for Congress
Date: TODAY, Tuesday, March 15, 2005
Location: Cactus Bar and Grill, 404 S. Wells, Chicago
Time: 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.
Includes: two hours open bar plus nacho/taco buffet
Special Guest: Candidate Christine Cegelis
Suggested Donation: $50

AP says that Christine's 44% in the last election "on a relatively low budget" was "amazing." Help Christine's campaign do even more amazing things by hitting the open bar donating to the Cegelis campaign.