By AP/KWMU
Chicago – Former Chicago Bears Coach Mike Ditka says running for the U.S. Senate is an exciting idea but he hasn't made up his mind.
Ditka told the Chicago Sun-Times that he's very conservative and outspoken and wants what's best for the country, state and Chicago.
The Illinois GOP is still without a candidate nearly three weeks after Jack Ryan dropped out over embarrassing sex club allegations.
The party's top choices have refused to run, leaving leaders scrambling to find a replacement to run against Democrat Barack Obama.
GOP Senator Peter Fitzgerald, whose retirement is creating the open seat, says if Ditka runs, he could energize the Republican base.
But Ditka, who recently joined ESPN as an NFL analyst, could lose his endorsement deals if elected.
He also has a new clothing line and his restaurant to consider. And, there's a new "Draft Ditka" website encouraging Ditka's run, which you can view by clicking here.