State Republicans toss around possible candidates to replace Jack Ryan.

(From AP Online)

Byline: MICHAEL TARM

Illinois Republicans rushed to dig themselves out of a deep political hole on Saturday and find a replacement for Senate candidate Jack Ryan, who dropped out of the race just four months before the election amid tawdry sex allegations.

About 150 Republican leaders met in Chicago a day after Ryan's withdrawal to discuss candidates who might mount a tremendous comeback against Democratic state Sen. Barack Obama. Potential replacements include a state senator who seems to be an early favorite, a driven millionaire and a former member of the Chicago Bears.

Republican leaders expect to make a decision within three weeks. The latecomer then has the daunting task of trying to raise campaign cash fast to get statewide name recognition.

"This is like starting over, but there's still time," State Treasurer Judy Barr Topinka, chairwoman of the Illinois Republican Party, said on her way into the meeting, which was part of a leadership retreat for Republicans that had been scheduled for months.

The Republican State Central Committee, which will choose Ryan's replacement, broke away for another meeting during the retreat but did not discuss specific candidates, committeeman Bob Kjellander said. He said the 19-member body will select a candidate in mid-July after seeking input from state Republicans.