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Central Illinois Gazette

David Gill won't be on Demo primary ballot for Congress

Posted by: Tom Kacich

Wednesday, September 19, 2007 9:30 AM

David Gill, the emergency room physician from Clinton who opposed U.S. Rep. Tim Johnson, R-Urbana, in 2004 and 2006, apparently won't be a candidate in 2008.

He said Tuesday that he needs to spend more time with his three children, ages 9-17, after the May 24 death of their mother, and his wife, Polly Gill.

"It was a difficult decision," said Gill, "but I need to make them priority Number 1."

Gill said he plans to stay active in politics and would even consider being slated for next year's 15th Congressional District race if Democrats are unable to place a candidate on the ballot for the Feb. 5 primary election.

Terry Redman of Wapella, the 15th Congressional District Democratic committeeman, said this morning that he is meeting with potential congressional candudates, but declined to reveal any names.

Asked if he thought it likely he'd find a candidate to oppose Johnson, he said, "I sure hope so.

"That's all I want to say at this point. There's still a lot of time for people to jump into the race if they want to.'