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.
If Ditka or one of the former governors won't run, the seat is down the toilet. If Barthwell is the nominee, the leaders of the party, including Bush, will feel obliged to waste time campaigning for her -- and waste money funding her -- simply because she's black and a woman.
Money and time that could better go to several other states.