Illinois Republicans see unique chance for victory

DEANNA BELLANDI AP 02/17/2010 03:35

CHICAGO — The last decade was lousy for Illinois Republicans. They lost a Senate seat, their party's last governor went to prison and they were shut out of every statewide office.

But the recent surprise win by Scott Brown in the Massachusetts Senate race and a string of setbacks for Illinois Democrats have Republicans giddy about their chances to claim the next big election prizes: President Barack Obama's old Senate seat and ousted Gov. Rod Blagojevich's old job.

Republicans have reason to feel confident. This year's races are likely to be fought against the backdrop of Blagojevich's corruption trial — a point Republicans are sure to belabor — and Illinois' finances are in shambles, with the state deficit likely to reach $13 billion this year.

"This year the stars seem to be lining up for us," Illinois Republican Party chairman Pat Brady said.

If Republicans can't win in Illinois this year, it's hard to imagine when they could be victorious in the state, where Democrats control the governor's mansion, every statewide office and the Legislature.

"If the Republicans don't win in November, we're in for a long, long decade," said state Sen. Kirk Dillard, of Hinsdale, who is hoping to be the Republican candidate for governor.

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