POSHARD SAYS HE'S UNDECIDED ON POLITICAL FUTURE

WASHINGTON -- U.S. Rep. Glenn Poshard is not ruling out the idea of returning to education, but "a decision must first be made regarding a congressional race," he says.

Poshard's name has been tossed around in regards to the chancellor's position that recently opened at Southern Illinois University-Carbondale.

"I am aware of the situation regarding the chancellor's position at SIU," said Poshard. "I have devoted a considerable amount of time and effort as a congressman to assisting my alma mater."

Poshard, who holds a doctorate degree in higher education from SIU-C, was a school administrator before turning to politics. He served in the Illinois legislature before being elected to the House following the retirement of Democrat Ken Gray in 1988.

"A decision has to be made regarding a congressional race before any other options can reasonably be considered," said Poshard from his Washington office.

"We don't have a timetable for an announcement concerning the congressional race," said Poshard. "But we'd like to announce a decision within the next several days."

Poshard said he would return to Southern Illinois soon to resume his political discussions.

Poshard is a congressman without a district following recent redistricting rulings in Illinois. A three-judge federal panel ruled that the 22nd Congressional District will be divided among three districts, at least for the next decade, starting next year.

Poshard is still looking at all the options concerning a run for a third term.

The options are slim: to run in the 12th District against Jerry Costello, D-Belleville, who is in the middle of his second term; to move his home a few miles into the 19th District and run against Democrat Terry Bruce, who is in his ninth year as representative; or not to seek re-election.

"I'm still discussing my options with the party," he said. "I hope to arrive at a decision soon."

The new map came about as a result of the 1990 census, which mandated that Illinois lose two congressional seats because of population shifts nationwide. In addition, a district had to be created to represent Chicago's Hispanic population.

The issue was forced into federal court when the Illinois General Assembly failed to adopt a map during its spring session.