SHAWNEE PRESIDENT WITHDRAWS FROM RACE

VIENNA, Ill. -- Jack D. Hill of Vienna has withdrawn as a candidate for Illinois State Representative of the 118th District.

Hill, 55, in making his announcement last weekend, indicated that the withdrawal was necessitated by health considerations.

"This is a deep disappointment to me," Hill said.

Hill, who is president of Shawnee Community College near Ullin, did not rule out a possible candidacy for public office at a later date.

Hill's withdrawal leaves only one candidate -- Edward K. Downey of Golconda -- in the Republican primary. Downey will face incumbent Democrat David Phelps in the general election.

The 118th State House District comprises all or parts of 10 counties is in Southern Illinois, including Alexander, Pulaski, Union, Johnson, Massac, Williamson, Gallatin, Hardin, Saline and Pope.