The Chicago Tribune reported last week that the departure of the two leading Republican candidates has left the party’s nomination for a U.S. Senate seat in question.  State Sen. Steve Rauschengerger, who had stepped in after Jack Ryan withdrew his candidacy, removed him from consideration due to a lack of funding.  State GOP officials are reluctant to tap James Oberweis, the second place finisher in March’s Senate primary.  Oberweis, who has strong anti-immigration views, is out of favor with the White House after his sharp critique of Bush’s efforts to appeal to Latino voters.  Republican sources said that an Oberweis candidacy is unlikely because it would alienate Bush.  The Illinois GOP expects to announce the party’s candidate in the near future.