Time to be Family Man

U.S. Rep. Jerry Weller Announces Retirement at Joilet Chamber Meeting

22 Sep 2007 // U.S. Rep. Jerry Weller ended speculation about his political future Friday, saying he will retire instead of seeking re-election.

After making the announcement at the Joliet Region Chamber of Commerce and Industry luncheon, the Morris Republican raced out of the downtown campus of Joliet Junior College. He didn't answer questions as the media followed him to a waiting vehicle.

Weller came under fire recently about his land holdings in Nicaragua and his financial disclosure filings, which don't name his wife, Zury Rios de Weller, a Guatemalan congresswoman.

This week, Weller was among 13 members of Congress subpoenaed to testify in the trial of a defense contractor accused of bribing a former House member from California. Like the other lawmakers, Weller cited the advice of attorneys and said he won't testify.

Just before the congressman's speech to chamber members Friday, a spokesman said Weller decided in August not to seek re-election and that he told his staff and GOP leaders about the decision Wednesday.

The Joliet chamber scheduled his appearance about two months ago, inviting him to speak about issues facing Congress.

With Weller skipping the race for the 11th District, at least a dozen names from Will County have been floated as possible candidates. But as of Friday, at least a half dozen of those said they weren't interested. Several said they might run for the seat.

The departure of Weller also makes it possible that the race for the 11th District -- which includes part of Will County, Grundy County and six other counties to the south and west -- could become a target of both national parties.

Weller, 50, told chamber members Friday that he wanted to make a change after being in public service for half his life.

During a 15-minute speech, Weller highlighted the accomplishments of his seven terms and talked about his agenda before his term ends in January 2009. He said the birth of his daughter, Marizu Catherine, last year led him to struggle with the "difficult balance" of being in Congress and having a family.

"At this time, my wife, my child -- my family -- must come first," Weller said, adding he was looking forward to working with local leaders for the rest of his term.

"But I will tell you something. What I am most looking forward to is being a full-time dad and a full-time husband."

Weller cited accomplishments that included the effort to redevelop the former Joliet Arsenal and work on local projects, such as getting a bridge built in Morris. He also cited his effort to eliminate the federal marriage tax.
Candidates voice interest
Weller worked in a government agency for five years during the Reagan administration and served as a member of the Illinois House for six years.

After George Sangmeister, a Mokena Democrat, announced that he would seek re-election in 1993, Weller joined a race that eventually included five other Republicans and seven Democrats. In November 1994, he won with his Congressional seat with 61 percent of the vote as Republicans gained control of the House.

As in previous campaigns, Weller had a big money advantage in 2006. In October, he had $1 million more than his opponent, Democrat John Pavich. Weller won with 55 percent of the vote.

In the last week, rumors in political circles hinted Weller would resign or retire because of the questions about his Central American interests. On Tuesday, a watchdog group, Washington-based Citizens for Responsibility and Ethics, named Weller one of the 22 Most Corrupt Members of Congress.

On Friday, several Will County Republicans, including Dick Kavanagh and David Silverman, said they would not run for the seat. Will County Executive Larry Walsh, an Elwood Democrat, also said he would not run for Congress.

But other Republicans might run, including New Lenox Mayor Tim Baldermann, Frankfort's Chris McNeil and state Sen. Christine Radogno, of Lemont.

State Sen. Debbie Halvorson, of Crete, is considering a bid, as are two other Democrats, Bob Gorman of Frankfort and Jerry Weber, the president of Kankakee Community College. Announcing plans to run against Weller before his announcement were a downstate Republican and Democrat and a Will County Green Party member.

Weller's announcement leaves potential candidates with precious time to organize a campaign for the Feb. 5 primary. The filing period for nominating petitions is Oct. 29 to Nov. 5.