State Sen. LaHood in, Brady out in bid for Schock seat

PEORIA, Ill., March 18 (UPI) -- Illinois state Sen. Darin LaHood (R), the son of former transportation secretary Ray LaHood, is running for the Congressional seat that is being vacated by Rep. Aaron Schock (R), LaHood announced early Wednesday.

The Republican state senator, who made the announcement on WMBD morning radio in Peoria, said he will focus on ethics reform, among other issues, during his candidacy. "This is going to be a competitive race. I'm going to work really hard, and I'm going to leave no stone unturned," LaHood told WMBD.

Schock announced he will resign March 31 amid mounting questions about his use of taxpayer dollars.

LaHood, a former prosecutor, is being viewed as an early frontrunner in the race for Schock's seat. The date for the special election has not been set.

State Sen. Bill Brady (R) once considered as a possible candidate, announced on Twitter he will not run.

"I'm flattered by support but decided my best service to state is to stay in Senate and help resolve many challenges facing Illinois," he said.

Other possible candidates are state Illinois Sen. Jason Barickman, state Rep. Dan Brady (R) and state Rep. Jil Tracy (R).