Baldermann announces run for 11th Congressional District
<p align="justify">The mayor of New Lenox wants the GOP nomination for the 11th Congressional District because he says the Republican party needs to reform and recommit to core principles.
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<p align="justify">Tim Baldermann, 41, is the first Republican to announce he's seeking the post being vacated by Jerry Weller, R-Morris, whose term ends in January 2009. Weller announced last month he's not seeking re-election to an eighth term in Congress following news articles that raised questions about his ethics, though a spokesman has said it's because he wants to spend more time with his family.
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<p align="justify">"...With our congressman's decision not to seek another term, I am compelled to step up to this challenge to represent our district because I believe my background gives me unique insights to work on solutions to our nations' pressing problems," Baldermann said in a news release. "Our country has problems that need to be tackled straight on, and I have a record of doing just that."
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<p align="justify">Baldermann also is the Chicago Ridge police chief and previously was president of the New Lenox School Board.
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<p align="justify">He chided Democratic candidate and state Senate Majority Leader Debbie Halvorson, D-Crete, for her contributions to a "badly managed" state government. "Our federal government has problems, but the last thing we need is to have the proven dysfunction of Springfield infect Washington," he said.
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<p align="justify">Federal GOP officials say Illinois is shaping up to be a national battleground for the U.S. House, with three open seats. Other congressmen not seeking re-election include former House Speaker Dennis Hastert, R-Plano, and U.S. Rep. Ray LaHood, R-Peoria.
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<p align="justify">Weller's district consists of all of LaSalle, Grundy and Kankakee counties, most of Bureau and Will counties and parts of McLean and Woodford counties.
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<p align="center">Karen McDonald can be reached at (309) 686-3285 or kmcdonald@pjstar.com.