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Versace 'extremely disappointed' to end congressional run

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<p align="justify">An emotional Dick Versace admitted Friday during an exclusive interview with the Journal Star he was saddened to end his Democratic bid for Congress.

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<p align="justify">Versace, 67, said he's ending his bid for the 18th Congressional District for personal reasons. He declined to elaborate on the situation.

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<p align="justify">However, Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee Chairman Chris Van Hollen said in a statement to the Journal Star, "Our thoughts and prayers are with Dick and his family at this difficult time."

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<p align="justify">Versace told the Journal Star he appreciated the "grass-roots effort" to send him to Congress in the district currently served by U.S. Rep. Ray LaHood, R-Peoria, who is not seeking re-election.

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<p align="justify">"I'm extremely disappointed that I can't continue," he said. "I had every confidence that we were going to win it. I hope I haven't hurt anyone."

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<p align="justify">Since announcing his candidacy in September, Versace, the lone Democrat, has been on a tour of the 20 counties that make up the district. He said Friday his motor home, called "The Common Sense Express," made trips to 15 counties.

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<p align="justify">"I believed in what I was doing," he said, and he thinks the groundswell of support for him was evidence that the people of the district want change.

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<p align="justify">"I saw it and felt it everywhere I went," he said. "(People are) sick of this war. I don't care what the latest reductions are. They want out.

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<p align="justify">"I am incredibly grateful to all the people that were rallying," he said.

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<p align="justify">A statement by the DCCC on Versace's behalf said, "Due to unforeseen personal circumstances, I am announcing my withdrawal as a Democratic candidate for the congressional seat in this district.

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<p align="justify">"Over the course of this campaign it is clear to me that Illinois families are hungry for change and that Democrats, Republicans and Independents are fed up with President Bush and his failed policies," it states. "While I'm disappointed it's not going to be me, this community deserves a leader that will stand up to Washington Republicans that are out of step with the real needs of this wonderful community.

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<p align="justify">"I thank everyone for their support and encouragement in this race, and I ask that you please respect my privacy and that of my family as we face this difficult personal issue."

<p align="justify">Versace is a former teacher who became a basketball coach, 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 for the NBA as an assistant coach for Detroit and head coach at Indiana. He was a television color commentator for Turner Broadcasting and NBC in Chicago and an assistant coach at Milwaukee. He led an acquisition team to purchase the Vancouver Grizzlies and was president and later general manager of the team in Memphis.

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<p align="justify">Versace and his wife, Vicki, a real estate broker, have homes in Peoria and Chicago and a rural retreat home they recently built near Canton.

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<p align="justify">He told the Journal Star he will return all the money donated to his campaign within a month.

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<p align="justify">"I will personally cover any additional campaign costs that remain," he said.

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<p align="center">Contact Journal Star reporter Brenda Rothert at (309) 686-3041 or state@pjstar.com.

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