IL-10: Coulson Will Run

[ccharles000]

State Rep. Beth Coulson, the most moderate -- and therefore, strongest -- of the potential Republican nominees to defend the seat of Mark Kirk, will announce next week that she's running for Congress:

Illinois state Rep. Beth Coulson, a Republican moderate, will announce Aug. 24 that she is running in the 10th district open-seat race, according to two sources familiar with her campaign. <...>

In addition to Coulson, several businessmen have also indicated their interest in the race. Businessman Dick Green has hired consultants and filed exploratory papers, while attorney Bill Cadigan - a former staffer for Kirk's predecessor, ex-Rep. John Porter (R) - has also filed paperwork with the Federal Election Commission.

Another potential candidate, businessman Bob Dold, also met with NRCC recruitment chair Kevin McCarthy over the weekend, so it's possible that the Republican primary could be pretty crowded here, with Coulson on the left flank of the field. More, from Roll Call:

Coulson is likely to be the most liberal Republican in the field, and she is considered even more ideologically moderate than Kirk. According to a source close to Green, he is more conservative than Kirk but still moderate on social issues.

Coulson's fundraising skills, however, remain untested. While running for legislative office, Coulson could take advantage of liberal state fundraising laws. Several local Republicans questioned whether she will be successful in raising money under federal contribution limits.

Green, meanwhile, has indicated that he is willing to put some of his personal financial resources into the race.

Lots of question marks here, but I suspect the NRCC may try to whittle the field down for Coulson before Illinois' February 2nd primary.

http://www.swingstateproject.com/diary/5435/il10-coulson-will-run