Rep. Jerry Costello (D-Ill.) will not seek re-election UPDATE

WASHINGTON–Rep. Jerry Costello (D-Ill.), the dean of the Illinois House members, will not seek re-election in 2012, opening up a seat in a Downstate district. Costello was first elected to the House in 1988 from the 12th district and is a national player in aviation and airport policy.

In June, I posted on how Republicans were going after Costello. Read it HERE.

Republicans think they have a chance in the new 12th district, despite Illinois Democrats drawing the new lines.

Here is a GOP analysis of the new district:

McCain 2008: 44%

Bush 2004: 49%

Cook PVI: D+2

Kirk 2010: 54%

Brady 2010: 53%

Not so fast, Democrats say….

DCCC Chairman Steve Israel said “This is a strong Democratic district that both President Obama and Senator Kerry won and we look forward to electing a Democrat next November who will represent middle class families and fight to create local jobs and grow the economy.”

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Jerry Costello release……

COSTELLO WILL NOT SEEK RE-ELECTION

WASHINGTON – U.S. Congressman Jerry Costello (D-IL) announced today that he will not be a candidate for re-election to Congress in 2012.

“It has been a privilege and an honor to serve in the U.S. Congress for the past 23 years. However, I said when I was elected in 1988 and many times since that I did not intend to stay in Congress forever as I had other interests that I wanted to pursue.”

Costello emphasized that he will not retire as retirement is not in his DNA. “You can’t go from 100 mph everyday and just stop – I intend to continue to go full speed pursuing other interests and opportunities that may come along.”

Costello said that he was proud of his record in Congress – in particular his work improving the transportation network of Southwestern and Southern Illinois, enhancing Scott Air Force Base and supporting educational opportunities at Southern Illinois University – and that he was grateful to his family, supporters, staff and the people of the area for giving him the opportunity to serve in Congress.

“I will miss the people but not the weekly commute from home to Washington, D.C.”

Costello intends to complete his current term of office ending in January, 2013.

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