Versace ponders congressional run
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<p align="justify">Former Bradley and NBA basketball coach Dick Versace is considering a run for the seat being vacated by U.S. Rep. Ray LaHood, R-Peoria.
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<p align="justify">"This is an exploratory thing," said Versace, a Democrat who is 67 and has a home in Peoria and another outside Canton. He said he is gauging support for his candidacy before making a final decision.
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<p align="justify">Versace is a former teacher and said his nine years in the classroom was a time he knew he was really doing something important. He went on to coach basketball, coaching at Bradley University from 1979 to 1986 and winning three Missouri Valley Conference championships and an NIT title.
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<p align="justify">He later coached in the NBA as an assistant coach for the Detroit Pistons and head coach for the Indiana Pacers.
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<p align="justify">He was a television color commentator for Turner Broadcasting and NBC in Chicago and an assistant coach at Milwaukee. He also led an acquisition team to purchase the Vancouver Grizzlies and was president and later general manager of the Memphis team.
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<p align="justify">Versace said this is an opportune time for a Democrat to win the seat now held by LaHood, who will retire in January 2009.
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<p align="justify">"What drives me is the opportunity to do something I feel is important," Versace said.
<p align="justify">Versace said he lost a brother in Vietnam, and he has great respect for those in the military.
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<p align="justify">"We want to extricate ourselves in the proper manner from this war," he said of the war in Iraq.
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<p align="justify">Currently Versace works for his company, "Dick Versace Projects." His job includes consulting with those interested in buying NBA teams. Versace and his wife, Vicki, a real estate broker, recently renovated a downtown Canton building into two loft apartments and office space.
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<p align="justify">Among other Democrats considering candidacies in the district are 4th District Appellate Court Judge Sue Myerscough of Springfield, former state Rep. Bill Edley of Peoria and Springfield, and Peoria civil rights attorney Patricia Benassi.
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<p align="justify">If he decides to run, Versace said he'll give the race his all.
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<p align="justify">"When I take on a challenge, I go after it, and I've got a winning track record."
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<p align="center">Reach Journal Star reporter Brenda Rothert can be reached at 686-3041 or state@pjstar.com.
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