Dems lose candidate to replace Jerry Costello in House

By Cameron Joseph - 05/29/12 02:43 PM ET

Brad Harriman, the Democratic nominee to replace retiring Rep. Jerry Costello (D-Ill.), has dropped out of the race, creating a major void and giving Republicans a better chance of winning the seat.

Harriman, who was Costello's hand-picked candidate and highly touted by national Democrats, cited a neurological disorder as his reason for quitting the campaign.

"Today, it is with a heavy heart that I must announce that I am ending my campaign after consultation with my doctor. I know in my heart that this decision is in the best interest of the voters of southern Illinois who deserve a candidate that can withstand the pace that this race will require," Harriman said in a statement. "My condition has noticeably worsened over the course of the campaign to the point that if I do not address it with surgery, I am facing irreparable damage. While it is non-life threatening, I need to address it now."

The district remains Democratic-leaning — it would have given President Obama 56 percent of its vote in 2008 and Sen. John Kerry (D-Mass.) would have narrowly won the newly drawn district in 2004 — and Democrats played down concerns that they could lose the seat. But Republicans are high on their recruit, former Lt. Gov. candidate Jason Plummer (R).

Plummer struck a conciliatory note in his statement, thanking Harriman for his service.

"My thoughts and prayers go out to Brad and his family as he deals with his medical condition. He had a distinguished career as an educator and leader in the area, and I wish him the best," he said. "My campaign will continue to provide residents of the 12th District a new direction to shrink the size of government, reduce regulations on small businesses and best utilize the natural resources of our state."

After Harriman's announcement, Costello ruled out a bid to serve one more term.

"Brad's decision to end his campaign due to health problems is understandable, and I wish Brad the very best in the future," he said in a statement. "As you know, I announced last October that I will not seek re-election, and I am not going to reconsider and will not be a candidate for reelection."

A replacement for Harriman will be chosen by the Democratic Party chairs from each of the 12 counties in the district, who will have a weighted vote based on the number of Democratic votes cast in the March primary. Costello will co-chair the committee.