Speak of the devil!

From the QCTimes, Illinois’ 17th District field taking shape

East Moline Alderman Cheri Bustos said she will file candidacy and organizational papers today with the Federal Election Commission and plans to make a formal announcement on July 13. She had planned a  June 30 announcement, but said she wanted to avoid clashing with the Fourth of July holiday.

AND

Two Democrats have formally declared bids for the office. State Sen. Dave Koehler of Peoria and Freeport Mayor George Gaulrapp have announced they’ll run. Gaulrapp just did so over the weekend.

PLUS -- Boland is in and Schwiebert is making an announcement next week about whether he will run.

This is what I'm talking about.

Bustos: Smart, personable, reasonable, attractive -- good candidate

Schwiebert: Smart, well-liked, well-known, pragmatic -- good candidate

Boland: Personable, well-liked, well-spoken, state wide candidate -- good candidate

Koehler: Strong labor, well liked, nice, well-spoken -- good candidate

Gaulrapp: Independent leaning, blue collar -- okay candidate (to be fair I need to learn more)

This is going to be an excellent primary. I've listed off the perceptions that each candidate gives off. This primary will allow the voters to select the one that can best communicate and implement their ideas to the general public.

Voters in the 17th are much more lucky this go around than how when Hare was selected.

I think the Quad Cities will be well served if any of these candidates --- gop or dem --- end up winning.