Marketing consultant Dan Seals, the 10th district Democratic nominee in 2006 and 2008, announced this week that he will run a third time in 2010 now that Rep. Mark Kirk (R) is vacating his seat to run for Senate.

“I am writing to tell you that today I am indeed announcing my candidacy to represent the people of the 10th district,— Seals said in an e-mail to his supporters.

House Democrats targeted Kirk’s suburban Chicago district last cycle but were unable to defeat the moderate lawmaker despite spending more than $2 million on the race. Kirk’s departure makes the district a prime pickup target for Democrats; however, some local and national party insiders have expressed concern about giving Seals a third shot at the seat.

Seals’ entrance into the race also assures that Democrats will have a primary. State Sen. Michael Bond announced his candidacy in late April, and state Rep. Julie Hamos is expected to get into the race as well. Highland Park City Councilman Jim Kirsch also announced he is considering a bid.

Republicans will also likely have a primary. Although there are no announced candidates so far, state Rep. Elizabeth Coulson released a statement Wednesday saying she is considering the race.

“Over the next few weeks, I will be discussing the possibility of running for Congress with my family, my friends and my constituents,— she said.

Sources close to businessman Dick Green (R) also confirmed that he is strongly considering a bid. And there are other potential GOP candidates: businesswoman Patricia Bird, state Sen. Matt Murphy, Lake County Board member Ann Maine and Wilmette Village President Chris Canning.