Who is the frontrunner now?

* Did her camp see something in early polling that suggested Linda would have a tough time winning the nomination?

* Is Dennis Hastert running again? (Chapa LaVia said she wouldn't run if Hastert decided to seek re-election)?

* What influence will she have in the primary? In other words, will her support of a particular candidate mean anything in deciding who emerges from the crowded field of Democrats seeking to win the seat?

Chapa LaVia's office said the state rep decided against running because she believed she could affect change better by staying put.

In the end, (Chapa LaVia staffer Ron) Cook said, Chapa LaVia felt she could do more good by remaining in Aurora as a state representative. He said it was not a matter of being qualified for the position, and her committee found support for her run at the office. "She's very dedicated to (the 83rd) District," Cook said. "Her value is where she's at, with her role now in the state, and she can't improve on that by going to Congress."

WurfWhile blog hinted awhile back that Linda likely wasn't going to run. The blog suggests Bill Foster has the best chance of earning Chapa LaVia's endorsement.

With Linda Chapa LaVia out of the race, her importance as a key Democrat in the key Democratic city of Aurora continues her influence in the race. While all 14th Congressional Democratic contenders will likely seek her support and proven ability to attract votes, one would have to give the edge to Democrat Bill Foster for gaining Linda’s support. A major question is whether Linda will lend her support in the Democratic primary, or wait it out to support the eventual nominee.

Other Dems vying for the office are Geneva businessman Jotham Stein, and Hastert's former opponent, John Laesch.

Three Republicans also have expressed interest: State Sen. Chris Lauzen, R-Aurora; Geneva mayor Kevin Burns; and Aurora dairy owner Jim Oberweis. All three are waiting for a Hastert decision before deciding whether to run.