St. Clair County sheriff Watson being courted to run for Congress

Democratic Party leaders are trying to recruit Rick Watson, the St. Clair County sheriff, to run in the March 15, 2016, Democratic Party primary for the 12th U.S. House District seat.

Watson said he plans fly out Tuesday morning to Washington, D.C., where representatives of the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee intend to try to sell him on the idea on why he should enter the race. So far, there is one other Democratic candidate — Belleville lawyer C.J. Baricevic, who officially rolled out his campaign Monday.

“It’s such an honor to be asked,” Watson said. “I have to give it some thought.”

The Democrats are trying to win back the 12th District House seat, which freshman incumbent Mike Bost, R-Murphysboro, won in November after beating one-term incumbent Bill Enyart, D-Belleville. Previously, Democrats had held that seat since World War II with two congressmen — Melvin Price of East St. Louis and Jerry Costello of Belleville.

Watson said he hasn’t made up his mind about whether to enter the race, though he has spoken with Costello, a longtime friend. Costello held the 12th District seat for nearly a quarter of a century before retiring in 2011.

Watson made it clear the Democrats in Washington will have a tough sell on their hands. Watson said he loves his job as sheriff and would be very reluctant to leave it.

“I love what I’m doing,” Watson said. “I don’t know how they’re going to drag me away from here.”

Watson was appointed sheriff in December 2012 after the death of Mearl Justus, who held the job for eight terms. Watson served with the Cahokia Police Department from 1978 to 2011, when he retired as police chief. In 2014, he easily won election to the sheriff’s post.

This story was originally published July 20, 2015 at 12:29 PM with the headline "St. Clair County sheriff Watson being courted to run for Congress."