PHELPS ANNOUNCES CANDIDACY FOR SEAT POSHARD WILL VACATE

ELDORADO -- Illinois Rep. David Phelps, D-Eldorado, is the first Democrat to announce he will run for the U.S. Congressional seat to vacated by Glenn Poshard after this term.

Phelps officially announced his candidacy last week for the 19th Congressional District.

Poshard earlier announced he would not seek reelection. Poshard later declared his bid for governor of Illinois.

The 19th Congressional District stretches from Mound City to Decatur and takes in parts of 27 counties. Phelps is serving as 118th District representative in the Illinois House.