SPRINGFIELD - After a two-month search for a replacement, the Illinois Republican Party selected Martin Ozinga III, 58, of Orland Park to be the GOP candidate for Illinois' 11th Congressional District.

"We are excited to have Marty on the ticket," Illinois Republican Party Chairman Andy McKenna said after Wednesday morning's decision. "Marty Ozinga is a proven job creator, business leader and possesses a strong dedication to his community both at home and abroad."

He edged out Decatur native Harry Bond of Bourbonnais, president of Monical's Pizza.

"I appreciate having been considered," Bond said. "I'll be there to support Marty and to help him become the next congressman from the 11th."

The former Republican nominee, Tim Baldermann of New Lenox, bowed out of the race in late February, leaving the party scrambling to put up a contender against Democratic candidate Debbie Halvorson, a state senator from Crete, and Green Party candidate Jason Wallace of Normal.

The three are vying for the seat held by Republican U.S. Rep. Jerry Weller of Morris, who is retiring.

Ozinga issued a statement shortly after the decision, and spoke one-on-one with reporters.

"I believe that my perspective and my approach to government and how it will affect the 11th District is something that will resonate well with the community," Ozinga said.

Ozinga, owner of several concrete companies, was chosen by Republican Party chairmen from the seven counties that comprise the 11th District, which stretches from Bloomington-Normal to Chicago's southern suburbs.

Andy Ser©, a spokesman for Ozinga's campaign, said Ozinga already has raised more than $400,000 for his campaign and that does not include any money donated from Ozinga's personal finances.

Ozinga said he contributed "a very small amount of money" from his own funds to get some essentials for his campaign. The Federal Election Commission does not yet list any information for Ozinga.

According to the Federal Election Commission, Halvorson's campaign had more than $600,000 cash on hand as of the end of March. For the same date, Wallace's campaign reported about $1,800 in cash on hand with $2,000 in debt.

Kenneth Lowe can be reached at kenneth.lowe@lee.net or 789-0865.