Former Belleville Mayor Roger Cook (R-Ill.) will challenge Rep. Jerry Costello (D) next year. Cook told the Belleville News-Democrat that he plans to announce his bid for the 12th district Saturday.
The former mayor will face an uphill battle against Costello, a 12-term incumbent representing a marginally Democratic district.
Cook might have some competition in the primary, too. At least one other Republican, 2010 lieutenant governor nominee Jason Plummer, has already expressed interest in challenging Costello.
Lois Lerner, director of exempt organizations for the IRS, arrives for a House Oversight and Government Reform Committee hearing on the investigation of the IRS' targeting of political groups. Lerner invoked her Fifth Amendment right to not testify and caused a protest from some committee members when she offered an opening statement and engaged in dialogue with members before invoking the right.
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