UPDATE: Schilling threw his support behind State Senator Darin LaHood at a Peoria press conference Saturday morning.
"Darin LaHood is a principled conservative, a man of great character, and a true statesman. There is no doubt in my mind he will be an excellent representative in Congress for central Illinois," Schilling said. "Darin understands the challenges we face as a nation. As a State Senator, Darin worked to rebuild the middle class and promote policies to strengthen our economy and improve the lives of all Illinoisans.
"Darin will put the dignity of the human person at the center of his agenda in Washington. From protecting the innocent unborn to promoting working families, Darin will always do the right thing.
PEORIA - Saturday, former Congressman Bobby Schilling will answer questions as to whether he'll throw his hat in the special election bid to succeed the 18th CD's resigning Congressman Aaron Schock.
The announcement will be made at the Peoria GOP headquarters at 9:30 am. Updates will follow on IR as soon as available. Schilling lives outside the 18th CD boundaries, but represented 15 percent of the 18th before the 2010 district maps were redrawn. Schilling lost to 17th CD's Democrat Cheri Bustos in 2012 and 2014.
State Senator Darin LaHood has already announced his intentions to bid for the spot, and earlier this week, State Senator Bill Brady's younger brother Ed announced he's looking into the bid, as well.