I'd rather have a boring race that we can win.
The media might pay a bit more attention if there were 2 black candidates, but it would still favor the Democrat.
Blacks do not vote for black Republicans. This has been demonstrated time and time again. The key to growing the Republican vote is the white working class, especially white working-class men. And Coach Ditka is the ticket.
His wife's opposition, if in fact she's against the idea, is sorely disappointing. Oh, for the days when wives supported their husbands' ambitions instead of vetoing them.
You're right, if Coach Ditka is interested, he's the man! I hope that he goes for it. But if he isn't interested, than Dr. Barthwell is probably the best option left.