SPRINGFIELD, Ill. - Madison County Chief Judge Ann Callis won't run for retiring U.S. Rep. Jerry Costello's seat after all, she announced today.

Callis' name had been floating around last week as a potential Democratic candidate to replace the Costello, the long-time Belleville Democrat whose retirement announcement surprised the Metro East political establishment earlier this month. Callis didn't confirm the rumors last week, but did say she would have an announcement this week.

But her announcement today, via Madison County Democratic Party chairman Matt Melucci, wasn't what had been widely expected.

"After receiving strong encouragement from numerous people that I respect and admire, discussing with my family, and seriously considering it, I have decided not to run for the 12th Congressional District, a seat currently held by a man I admire very much, Representative Jerry Costello," Callis said in the statement.

"I came to the conclusion that at this time, I could not leave a community that I love, employees and colleagues of Madison County Circuit Court that have become like family to me. I consider it an honor to serve the people of the 3rd Judicial Circuit as their Chief Judge, and my immediate plan is to run for retention and hopefully continue to serve the citizens of the 3rd Judicial Circuit to the best of my ability."

With the earlier decision by former state Rep. Jay Hoffman to stay of out the congressional race and instead seek a new state legislative seat, this leaves as the main Democratic candidate former St. Clair County Regional Superintendent of Schools Brad Harriman. He jumped in the race this week.

Republicans in the race include Jason Plummer, the Metro East lumber heir and last year's GOP nominee for lieutenant governor. Also running for the Republican nomination are former Belleville mayor Roger Cook, Theresa Kormos of O'Fallon and Teri Newman of Highland.