Dems in 115th 19

Democratic County leaders in the 115th District say they are analyzing a formidable slate of possible candidates to run against Rep. Mike Bost, R-Murphysboro, in 1998.

Leading the list are Perry County Circuit Clerk Nick Dolce and Anna Mayor Steve Hartline. John S. Rendleman, Carbondale attorney and Bost’s 1996 opponent, also has been mentioned.

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Bost announced his re-election bid Monday at a rally in his hometown.

Shirley Booker, Jackson County Democratic chairwoman, is excited about the upcoming election and what it might offer Democrats.

I think we’re so fortunate to have several good names to look at, Booker said. I’m sure we’ll come up with a strong candidate.

Bost is a good candidate, but we’ll have somebody, too.

The 1996 state representative race was secured by Bost in a narrow victory over Rendleman, who was supported heavily by political factions in Springfield, including House Speaker Michael Madigan, D-Chicago.

Madigan’s office has yet to back a candidate, but Jim Woolsey, Perry County Democratic chairman, said Dolce’s name has been circulated widely in Springfield and has elicited excitement from a lot of people. He said politicians and operatives there are abuzz with the idea of a Dolce candidacy.

His name has been in Springfield quite a bit, Woolsey said. A lot of guys are encouraging him to run.

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Woolsey said Dolce would present a formidable challenge to Bost in 1998 because he demonstrated his potential in the last election, seizing his county’s circuit clerk seat. Woolsey also said Dolce is knowledgeable and has a lot of character.

Nick would make a great candidate, Woolsey said. He’s a bright young man, and he’s well-qualified.

In the future, you’ll be seeing a lot of him.

Booker confirmed Woolsey’s sentiments, but would not comment on the extent of support for Dolce in the area.

Woolsey has been in contact with the Dolce and said the circuit clerk is considering a run.

With respect to a possible candidacy, Dolce said he has received a lot of encouragement thus far and, in turn, feels privileged.

Any time you’re approached by your brothers and sisters in the party and asked to run for an office of that magnitude, you feel quite honored, Dolce said. It wouldn’t be fair to my constituents, though, to say anything at this point.

Dolce did say, however, that the offer is tempting. He also slammed Bost for his consistent absence in Perry County and his education record.

We never see Mike Bost in Perry County unless the Gov. (Jim) Edgar is down here signing a check, Dolce said. Mike says Southern Illinois is open for business, but closed for school.

Bost, however, has said education is his top priority in the upcoming election.

Booker said a possible Hartline candidacy also has been discussed.

Woolsey was familiar with the idea of Hartline running, but said he did not know enough about the Anna mayor yet. He did mention, though, that he’s heard a lot of good things about him.

Another Rendleman candidacy could be in the midst, too. Woolsey and Booker said they have spoken to the Carbondale attorney, but nothing concrete has evolved.

Woolsey said there is some concern in Springfield about Rendleman’s financial status and his political stature in the district. He said Rendleman’s war chest might be low and his position weakened because of his failed 1996 bid.

John’s a fine young man, but when you lose, it takes a little out of you, Woolsey said. But, John’s got a bright future. You’ll probably see him again.

Woolsey said he ran into Rendleman about three weeks ago making the rounds in Springfield.

I talked to John, I can’t say if we discussed (a possible candidacy), but John was around (in Springfield) renewing old acquaintances, he said.

Rendleman said it is too early to discuss his intentions, but said of Dolce and Hartline, I know both of those guys. Nick’s a good guy and so is Steve.

Let’s just say that I’m not ready to make any statements, Rendleman said.