Cronin not running for Congress

The Chicago Tribune reports that state Sen. Dan Cronin (R) won't run for veteran lawmaker Rep. Henry Hyde's seat, should Hyde decide not to run for re-election in 2006. From the Tribune:

Cronin, who has four young children, said the timing in his family life was not right to consider an office that would require an extended amount of time in Washington. "I can't in good conscience go to Washington and give up my role as a husband and a father," Cronin said.

State Sen. Peter Roskam is the leading contender at this point for the Republicans. Meanwhile Christine Cegelis, who received a surprising 44% of the vote against Hyde in 2004, recently announced raising more than $20,000 for her 2006 campaign.