Democratic leaders in southern Illinois have chosen Belleville attorney Bill Enyart as the party's next nominee in the race for the 12 District Congressional seat.
The Belleville News Democrat reports that Enyart was the unanimous choice of the 14-member panel, which interviewed seven candidates on Saturday.
Democrats had to find a new nominee because Brad Harriman dropped out last month for medical reasons. Incumbent Congressman Jerry Costello isn't seeking re-election and was a member of the selection committee.
Enyart will face Republican Jason Plummer this fall.
Only two people, both Democrats, have represented the 12th District since World War Two.
The district stretches from the Illinois suburbs of St. Louis to the state's southernmost tip and encompasses a large swath of territory that's economically stressed.