Former Illinois Rep. Brad Schneider is inching closer to a rematch with Republican Rep. Robert Dold, according to a Democratic source with knowledge of his plans.  

Schneider was in Washington, D.C., Tuesday for the American Israel Public Affairs Committee conference. He attended the Democratic Caucus meeting Tuesday morning, where he received a standing ovation from his former colleagues, according to the source, and he was scheduled to meet with Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi in the afternoon. If he runs, this would be the pair’s third straight matchup in the suburban Chicago 10th District, a duel spurred by Sen. Mark S. Kirk vacating the seat in 2010 to run statewide. The progress is welcome news for national Democrats, who have courted Schneider since his 2.5-point loss to Dold in November .  

President Barack Obama carried the seat by 16 points in 2012, and Democrats say their odds at victory here next year increase with presidential turnout. There isn’t much argument from the GOP on that, as the National Republican Congressional Committee included Dold on its list of the party’s 12 most vulnerable House members .  

Democratic leadership met with Schneider in January to convince him to run again this cycle. It included visits with Minority Whip Steny H. Hoyer, Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee Chairman Ben Ray Luján and former DCCC Chairman Steve Israel, among others.  

Despite the recruitment, Schneider could still face a primary. Highland Park Mayor Nancy Rodkin Rotering is considering a bid, according to multiple Democratic operatives. A website domain for her possible campaign has already been purchased.  

Related:

Democrats Court Ex-Congressman for Rematch


Exclusive: NRCC Announces 12 Members in Patriot Program


The One-Term Caucus? Top House Targets in 2016


What Happened to the 10 Most Vulnerable House Members?
   

The 114th: CQ Roll Call’s Guide to the New Congress


Get breaking news alerts and more from Roll Call in your inbox or on your iPhone.