Rep. Joe Walsh Finally Says It – Re-election in the 8th

UPDATE

After much speculation, Congressman Joe Walsh finally formally announced his run for re-election in the 8th congressional district. He had indicated earlier that he might face-off against incumbent Randy Hultgren in the 14th congressional district. Both districts have been redrawn since the last election. 

You can read more on the long-awaited decision in this Daily Herald article. 

Earlier, Patch reported that Congressman Joe Walsh was expected to announce his re-election at a 7 p.m. Dec. 8 Chicago Tea Party meeting at the Cubby Bear, 1059 W. Addison St. in Chicago.

However, Walsh was expected to make the same announcement on Dec. 5, but didn't, as this NBC Chicago article explains. 

Walsh, who currently represents the 8th district, has been hosting town hall meetings throughout the 14th congressional district and had indicated in September that he would not seek re-election in the 8th district, . 

Recent redistricting has left Walsh residing in the newly-redrawn 14th district. Federal legislative candidates need only be Illinois residents to run.

But Walsh's waffling has left voters wondering whether he'll face incumbent Randy Hultgren for the congressional seat, as indicated in this Human Events article. 

Walsh has become a national figure not only for his Tea Party affiliations, but for child support issues as reported recently in the Chicago Sun-Times. It's been reported Walsh owes more than $100,000 in back support for his three children. 

A video posted in a Chicago Tribune article on Nov. 10 showing Walsh in a heated argument with constituents was removed from the site, but can be seen at HuffingtonPost.com.