MR. HYDE

From the Daily Herald:

Congressman Henry Hyde said Thursday he'll decide whether to seek a 17th term by spring, won't resign in mid-term and doesn't plan to endorse a successor if he retires. ***

"I would be reluctant to endorse in my district because there's so many qualified candidates and they're all friends of mine," said Hyde, whose 6th Congressional District includes parts of northwest Cook and much of DuPage counties. ***

Democratic technology consultant Christine Cegelis of Rolling Meadows, who held Hyde to 56 percent of the vote last November despite a lack of money, had a fund-raiser last week to start a second bid. Democrats also could have a primary contest, given the steady succession of Hyde opponents in recent years and the potential to win an open seat in the national battle to control the House.

Hyde said it on Thursday -- so I guess we can expect it to be a Sneed "scoop" on Monday.